Vietnam Combat Veteran David Regis Smith Laid To Rest
WATSONTOWN — A Vietnam combat veteran whose ashes were anonymously left outside the Milton VFW received a final resting place Saturday. David Regis Smith was buried with full military honors at Watsontown Cemetery.
The Standard Journal first reported on the unusual story, it began in May when Milton VFW Commander John Taylor III discovered an urn outside VFW Post 1665. Along with the ashes were Smith’s military discharge papers and a handwritten request asking that someone arrange his burial.
Taylor contacted Watsontown American Legion Commander Andy Kline, and the two veterans organizations began arranging a proper military funeral. Smith’s identity was kept private until the day of the service.
The newspaper reported military records showed Smith served with the U.S. Army and experienced combat in Vietnam during 1969 and 1970. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge before receiving an honorable discharge.
Smith was laid to rest at the Watsontown American Legion Memorial in the old section of Watsontown Cemetery. The memorial and burial plots were purchased by World War One veterans from the Watsontown American Legion.
The memorial was dedicated in 1941 with the expectation that burial space might someday be needed for veterans. Smith became the first veteran buried at the site.
The Watsontown American Legion and Milton VFW conducted Saturday’s ceremony. Military honors included an honor guard, rifle salute and the playing of Taps.
The organizations had encouraged the public to attend, particularly families with children and grandchildren. Organizers said the service offered an opportunity to teach younger generations about military service and sacrifice.
The Legion and VFW covered the arrangements without seeking donations from the community. Watsontown Borough also agreed to assist with the burial and placement of a headstone.
Saturday’s ceremony took an unexpected turn near its conclusion when a participant leading the procession from the service collapsed. The remainder of the event was cut short as medical assistance was summoned.
Several people attending the ceremony, including local nurses and other citizens, immediately stepped forward to provide assistance. They remained with the individual until an ambulance arrived.
The burial brought to a close a story that began with an anonymous delivery outside a veterans organization and a simple request for help. Smith now has a permanent resting place among the veterans whose memorial was established more than eight decades ago.
Photos and story by Joe Miller.
