Duane Burdette Megard was born on 22 November 1928, in Sherman, SD, to Oscar and Mabel Larson Megard. Duane had one brother, Roger. Duane graduated from Garretson High School in Garretson, SD, in 1946, where, among his many activities, he was a delegate to Boy’s State and was student body president. He graduated from South Dakota State University, Brookings in 1950, with a degree in Agriculture Economics. Duane hoped to work in a bank, but he worked on the family farm instead because he knew he would soon be drafted.

Duane was drafted into the U.S. Army and entered active service on 17 January 1951, at Sioux Falls, SD, and was received his basic training at Fort Riley, KS. Corporal Megard left for service in South Korea with the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, on 31 May 1951.

On 7 October 1951, Corporal Duane Megard was killed in action while fighting the enemy in North Korea.

Badge and Medals

Combat Infantryman Badge
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Korean Presidential Unit Citation

Burial

In January 1952, the body of Corporal Duane Burdette Megard wasreturned to the United States and he was buried with military honors at the Highland Lutheran Cemetery in Sherman, SD.