25 INF DIV 2-14th

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.