John W Heckathorn
U.S. Army Descendant
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.
John (Bud) William’s Photos Gallery

Ft Benning 1982
U.S. Army • 1982

Fort Gordon Ga.
U.S. Army • 2026

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Get StartedAbout John (Bud) William Heckathorn...
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.
Deceased- Clayton, IN
July 22, 1947
Branch
U.S. Army
Service Years
1966 - 1973
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