Joseph David Duelk, Jr.

Private First Class, U.S. Army

Joseph David Duelk, Jr. was born on 25 April 1947 in a New York neighborhood known as the South Bronx, the firstborn child of Joseph David and Helen (Mullen) Duelk. In a family of six children, he was the only male. He had five sisters, Virginia, Mary, Loretta, Ruth and Nancy. His father was a longtime resident of the South Bronx and was employed by New York City Transit Authority at the bus garage on West Farms Road. Joe's mom was the Town Supervisor for the Town of Blooming Grove. She was of Irish stock by way of Galway (grandparents) and was very proud of her Irish heritage. Joe Sr. also claimed an Irish background with a slight sprinkling of German.

Young Joe grew up in the South Bronx, an area that claimed to be the 33rd County of Ireland. The majority of families during the 40s and 50s were either Irish born or first generation Irish Americans, so from his beginning he was exposed to the Irish culture.

As a young child, Joe attended St. Angela Merici and Immaculate Conception grammar schools. His high school education wove its way through St. Simon Stock and Cardinal Hayes High schools. However, because the family migrated to Orange County, (Blooming Grove), Joe completed his High School education at Washingtonville High School, and graduated. Following graduation, Joe was employed by the A&P in Monroe.

When Joe turned 20, the U.S. had been involved in Vietnam for almost five years. On 25 September 1967, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army and following his training was shipped out. He landed in Vietnam on 14 April 1968 and was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in Hue. The Tet offensive was in progress and Hue was a hotbed of activity. In addition to Viet Cong, North Vietnam regulars were also present.

On 14 June 1968, Private First Class Joseph David Duelk, Jr. was serving with A Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, in Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam.

Search and destroy missions were deadly actions. The enemy knew the terrain and had ample time to prepare defenses and set booby traps; a foot soldier's nightmare. It was on one of these operations that Joe made the supreme sacrifice. Only two months "in country," on 14 June 1968, PFC Duelk was killed in action when he sustained wounds from an explosive device. His body was recovered.

Medals

Combat Infantryman Badge
Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor Device *
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

* Citation: By Direction of the President The Bronze Star Medal (With V Device) is presented posthumously to Private 1st Class Joseph D. Duelk, Jr.

For heroism not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, Private First Class Duelk distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 14 June 1968, while serving as team leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Calvary, during a search and destroy mission in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force, Private First Class Duelk exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved to a forward fighting position in order to place effective suppressive fire against the insurgents' positions.

At this time, Private First Class Duelk triggered an enemy booby trap and was mortally wounded. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Honors

The name Joseph D Duelk, Jr is inscribed on Panel W57 Line 17 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Thank you to the Ancient Order of Hibernians for the personal information on Joseph D. Duelk, Jr.

Burial

PFC Duelk is buried at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Washingtonville, NY.

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