Today, I am taking a break from my parents wedding pictures to post a memorial to my cousin Donald Paskowicz. Unfortunately, I have gone through the family photographs that I have, and have been unable to find a photograph of Donald. It was 45 years ago today that Donald was killed in action July 15, 1967 in Phuoc Tuy, South Vietnam.
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David Olsen writes, I did not know Donald as he served in a different unit. He was with the 11th Cav(Blackhorse's) and I was with the 3/4 Cav. Both of our units did about the same thing in Vietnam. About a year ago I started creating these memorial pages for all the men my unit lost. As I searched for my unit's men I would come across other men and felt compelled to create a page for them too. One thing led to another and before I knew it I was creating pages for a lot of the Blackhorse fallen men. Below is the link to his page and on the page is also a link to his unit's website. Unfortunately I am missing his photo. Maybe you have one or know someone that does.
The link to the memorial that David has provided is below:
http://army.togetherweserved.com/profile/63560S
Donald is also remembered on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.
His name is on Panel 23E, Row 077, and can be seen to the far right near the words Row 77 in the photograph above. You can see the entire panel at:
http://www.viewthewall.com/viewImage.asp?Panel=23E&LastName=PASKOWICZ&FirstMiddle=DONALD&Row=077
I was 8 years old when Donald was killed in action at age 19. He was born September 4, 1947 and lived in Greendale, Wisconsin. I still can remember the funeral service and burial in Forest Park Cemetery with the folding of the flag and the gun salute.
I also remember my parents bringing food to my Uncle Al and Aunt Margaret. We were sitting in their living room providing support and condolences. These images are still so vivid, and I remember the sadness of the entire family.
My Uncle and Aunt gave me Donald's bicycle. I rode it for many years. It was a red 3-speed, and I used it to deliver newspapers and to go to and from school. I wore the bicycle out after years of service, but every time I would ride it, I would think of and remember my Cousin Donald.
It is my hope that we will be able to find a photograph of Donald and post it to his memorial. Donald, your family has not forgotten you, and we appreciate your sacrifice to our country. You passed at such a young age, and so much potential was lost. We have not forgotten you.
