David L. Sackett was born on October 8, 1946, to Dora Lee and Fred Sackett. He had one brother, Fred. His home of record is Short Hills, NJ.
David served in the US Army and attained the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT).
Sackett was killed in action on October 24, 1969.
Sackett is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Pam.
He received numerous awards and decorations including four Bronze Stars, Silver Star, Army Commendation Medal and three Purple Hearts.
Sackett’s citations read:
Bronze Star Medal
For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: First Lieutenant Sackett distinguished himself by heroic actions on 21 September 1969, while serving as a platoon leader with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a sweep of a village, Company A received word that a gunship had spotted an enemy soldier near the village. Immediately, Lieutenant Sackett led his platoon to the suspected area. Arriving on the scene, Lieutenant Sackett spotted the muzzle of a rifle protruding from a hidden spider hole. Unhesitatingly, Lieutenant Sackett, with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed the emplacement and threw a hand grenade into the entrance, killing the three enemy occupants. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Lieutenant Sackett’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Bronze Star Medal for Heroism
For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: First Lieutenant Sackett distinguished himself by heroic actions on 24 October 1969, while serving as a platoon leader with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance operation, Company A came under heavy small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket propelled grenade fire from an enemy force in well concealed bunker positions. Immediately Lieutenant Sackett led his men in an assault of an enemy bunker, silencing the enemy. As he was advancing on another bunker, Lieutenant Sackett was fatally wounded by enemy fire. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the hostile force. Lieutenant Sackett’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Army Commendation Medal for Heroism
For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: First Lieutenant Sackett distinguished himself by heroic actions on 13 October 1969, while serving as a platoon leader with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. While moving to a night ambush site, Company A came under heavy small arms fire from an enemy force. Immediately Lieutenant Sackett organized his men in a defensive position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Sackett exposed himself to the hail of fire as he moved from position to position checking his men and directing their fire on the hostiles. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Lieutenant Sackett’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Silver Star
For gallantry in action: First Lieutenant Sackett distinguished himself by heroic actions on 26 September 1969, while serving as a platoon leader with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance mission, Company A encountered a large enemy force. During the initial contact, the lead element became pinned down by the intense hostile fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Sackett led four of his men forward through the enemy kill zone and swiftly destroyed the main enemy emplacements. Noticing that one of his men had been wounded, Lieutenant Sackett moved to his side and administered life saving first aid. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the hostile force. Lieutenant Sackett’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Sackett’s memory was honored at a public ceremony on May 7, 2004, dedicating a memorial at Millburn High School for those who died in the Vietnam War. His wife, Pam, attended Millburn High School.
Sources: Pam Rosenberg (widow) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
