Rock County, WisconsinBiographies"David Peter Hellenbrand" |
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DAVID PETER HELLENBRAND As the graduating class of 1966 threw their caps in the air, the war in Vietnam was beginning to boil over. Just like our fathers before us, there was no certainty of hopes, dreams, and aspirations to look forward to. Throughout 1967, protests about the war would escalate... as would the demand for young men to be sent to a far-away land. David Hellenbrand was drafted into the US Army, taught to kill, and was whisked to Vietnam. He put foot on an unknown land on May 16, 1968, and sent to the 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One". The TET Offensive had just occurred and replacement troops were rushed in as fast as they could be found. Dave became part of B Company, 1st Infantry Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment. The Unit operated in Bien Hoa Province, and area NE of Saigon, with a primary responsibility of guarding the northern access to the city... and, of course, seek out and destroy the enemy. David learned quick and well, rising to the rank of Specialist 4. For six months, he would learn to survive and kill with a second-sense that only a soldier can explain. On November 3, he would celebrate his 21st birthday in a jungle. On December 1, 1968, half-way around the world, the Beach Boys closed a concert in London with 'Good Vibrations'. As they did an encore, David Hellenbrand was point man for a squad, cutting down nipa palms to break a trail through the thick jungle. Just another day in 'Nam, another reconnaissance-in-force mission. Leading the way, ever cautious, he looked to his left and saw three North Vietnamese soldiers in a bunker... getting ready to open fire and ambush his squad. Instincts took over, and he immediately shouted a warning to the other soldiers to get down. Incredulously, David lunged forward to the enemy position, firing his M16 at full automatic fire. Although mortally wounded, he somehow managed to crawl to an opening in the bunker, pulled the pin on a grenade, and with his last ounce of strength threw it at the enemy position... killing all three... before dying. It all happened in seconds. The squad rushed over to him, knowing that because of his quickness and courage that they had been saved their lives for another day. For his actions on December 1, David was posthumously award the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest award of valor. The Beach Boys finished their encore and walked off the stage. David would be escorted back to Janesville by Gary Otterholt for burial. David Peter Hellenbrand's name is inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 17. Courtesy of Bruce Swander |
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