David John Moncavage
Private First Class, U.S. Army

David John Moncavage was born on 21 November 1942 in Merced, CA, the son of Sigmund J. and Marybess Patton Moncavage. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on 22 June 1967 at Phoenix, AZ.

On 14 February 1968, Private First Class David John Moncavage was serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in South Vietnam.

On that day, PFC Moncavage was medical corpsman of a mechanized infantry battalion conducting a search and destroy mission near Cu Chi. The 4th Battalion was attacked by an enemy force of unknown size firing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades from entrenched positions. PFC Moncavage moved through the bullets and flying shrapnel on the battlefield and gave medical treatment to wounded soldiers. When he had aided all the casualties in his platoon, he further exposed himself to the enemy fire as he administered aid to wounded men of other platoons in his company. PFC Moncavage then ran across a wide, open area of terrain and provided medical treatment for another company that had suffered heavy casualties. After all the wounded had been treated, he rejoined his platoon and volunteered to serve as a rifleman to help suppress the relentless enemy fire. PFC Moncavage was mortally wounded while destroying a fortified enemy bunker with a hand grenade. His medical treatment in close combat saved the lives of many fellow soldiers. PFC Moncavage's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Medical Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class David John Moncavage (ASN: US-56910377), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Moncavage distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 February 1968 as medical corpsman of a mechanized infantry battalion conducting a search and destroy mission near Cu Chi. The battalion was savagely attacked by an enemy force of unknown size firing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades from entrenched positions. Braving an intense hail of bullets and flying shrapnel. Private Moncavage moved throughout the battlefield and rendered emergency medical treatment to wounded soldiers. When he had aided all the casualties in his platoon, he continued to exposed himself to the enemy's raking fire as he administered skillful aid to wounded comrades of other platoons in his company. Private Moncavage then raced across a wide, open area of bullet-swept terrain and resumed his lifesaving mission for another company which had suffered heavy casualties. After all the wounded had been treated, he rejoined his platoon and gallantly volunteered to serve as an infantryman to help suppress the relentless enemy fire. Private Moncavage was mortally wounded while destroying a fortified enemy bunker with a hand grenade. His fearless and dedicated efforts in close combat saved the lives of many fellow soldiers. Private First Class Moncavage's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1738 (April 15, 1968)

Honors

The name David J Moncavage is located on Panel 39E Line 36 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Private First Class David John Moncavage is buried at Saint Francis Cemetery in Phoenix, Maricopa County, AZ.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=59883610