Colorado town to replace hero’s gravestone

David Chacon was killed in Vietnam more than forty years ago and his gravestone was vandalized soon after he was returned to his family. Now his hometown is holding a fundraiser to restore the gravestone of their Silver Star hero;

His citation from the U.S. Marines states that he was in Quang Tri Province in Vietnam on Feb. 22, 1969 when they were attacked by hundreds of Vietcong soldiers. David Chacon charged a machine gun nest and took out the enemy, but was shot and killed by another enemy soldier. “His heroic and timely actions inspired all those who observed him,” the citation states.

So, on Saturday, friends and family are having a breakfast fundraiser at the Valley High School cafeteria in Gilcrest, the same building where the flag that draped David Chacon’s coffin is on display. Also in front of Valley High is a stone memorial, dedicated to David Chacon.

If you can stop by tomorrow, here are particulars;

WHERE: Valley High School cafeteria, 1001 Birch St. Gilcrest

COST: $8 for adults, $4 children under 10

MENU: Chorizo and eggs, potatoes, tortillas, menudo.

Category: Support the troops