John W Heckathorn
U.S. Army Descendant
About
Bio
John William “Buddy” Heckathorn enlisted in the United States Army on November 2, 1966, and trained as an infantryman (11B) at Fort Benning, Georgia. He deployed to Vietnam in 1967 and served with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (“Golden Dragons”). During combat operations, he was critically wounded on August 6, 1967, and was medically evacuated from Vietnam. For his valor and sacrifice, he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Meritorious Service Medal. He continued to serve despite lasting injuries and was later medically retired in 1973. He was honorably discharged, having served his country with courage, devotion, and extraordinary resilience.
Current City
Deceased- Clayton, IN
Birthday
July 22, 1947
Branch
U.S. Army
Service Years
1966 - 1973
Units
US Army
U.S. Army
The US Army is the largest branch of the United States military. It is responsible for land-based military operations and is comprised of soldiers who are trained to defend the country and its interests. The Army has a long history of service, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and plays a crucial role in national defense and security. Soldiers in the Army are trained in combat skills, leadership, and teamwork to carry out missions both domestically and internationally.
25 INF DIV 2-14th
U.S. Army
The 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment (2-14th IN), known as the "Golden Dragons," is a unit within the 25th Infantry Division of the United States Army. Originally constituted in 1861, the regiment has served in numerous conflicts, including the Civil War, the Philippine-American War, World War II, and the Vietnam War. As part of the 25th Infantry Division, 2-14th distinguished itself in the Pacific during World War II and in the defense of Cu Chi during the Vietnam War. In recent decades, the battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of service and adaptability in modern conflicts.