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CORTLAND -- U.S. Army veteran Kenneth David, who served in Vietnam, said he remembers seeing a bright light when he was wounded in battle in 1970, but then returned to fighting.
David, of Girard, was the guest speaker Sunday at a special Veterans Day service at Cortland Christian Church.
Frank Daugherty, a deacon at the church, said "today is a special day for us to thank and express our gratitude to our veterans.
"Soldiers pray for peace because it is the soldier who suffers the deepest wounds of war," he said.
David was drafted into the Army in 1969 and arrived in South Vietnam in January 1970. He was involved in several battles, including on May 7, 1970, when he was wounded and members of his platoon were killed in North Vietnam. He was 19 at the time.
He served with the 101st Airborne Division and received the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second highest military award for extraordinary heroism, among other medals. He also has been inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame.
David explained that Memorial Day remembers veterans who have died, but Veterans Day honors men and women who have served and are still serving.
"We honor those veterans who gave their all for this great country. We thank those who put their lives on the line," he said.
MOUNTAINTOP
David said he will always remember May 7, 1970, as the terrible day on the mountaintop when five of his comrades died and then, days later, when 16 more died.
"These were men who would never grow old and gray like the rest of us. I have had 53 years to remember what I went through," he said, noting it is hard to speak about and share stories of the men who lost their lives and did not receive medals.
"As veterans, we all have different stories depending on where you served or where you were stationed in Vietnam. This is my memory of what I remember during my time. We were called boys because we were not old enough to drink. My company was one of the first ones ones in Vietnam to take on the enemy. I remember when the platoons were attacked," David said.
He said he carried with him bug spray to kill leeches as they traveled through the jungle and he carried grenades in a small pouch to battle the enemy.
David said he considered the 20 men in his platoon as brothers.
He said he was wounded in battle when the area was overrun by the Vietnamese soldiers.
"Even though I was wounded, I wanted to get back to help my brothers," he said.
BRIGHT LIGHT
David said he remembers seeing a bright light and knew the Lord was with him and had his back.
"I was told that with what I went through, and with my injuries, I should not be here today but I am. I ask the Lord each day, 'What purpose do you have for me?'" he said.
He said after getting out of the hospital after five months following his injury, he was bitter and angry and asked himself "Why me?" David said he learned the Lord had plans for him, including taking care of his mom who died in 2017 at age 91.
"I learned that one thing the government can never take away from you is the knowledge that you have learned. I tell people, believe in yourself and others will believe in you," David said.
Pastor Curtis Miller said David and many other veterans have "fantastic stories to share of their service to the country."
David was presented a Quilt of Valor with his name on it made by members of the Western Reserve Quilt Guild.