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PFC
Douglas E. Dickey, USMC
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Douglas E. Dickey Memorial Hwy
Pfc. Dickey’s
example must be passed on
By Bob Robinson
ANSONIA - “We are long overdue honoring this patriot,” said State Rep.
Jim Buchy on May 18. “He gave his life saving those with him.”
Buchy said that Darke County has had three Congressional Medal of Honor
winners, two of them from the Civil War.
The third is Private First Class Douglas E. Dickey.
Buchy spoke to over 100 people at the Ansonia American Legion Douglas
Dickey Post No. 353. The occasion was the dedication of State Rte. 47
as the Douglas E. Dickey Memorial Highway.
Dickey, a U.S. Marine, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in
1967 for heroism during Operation Beacon Hill 1 in Vietnam. A veteran
of a number of campaigns, Dickey’s medals had included the Purple Heart
with two Gold Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam
Service Medal with one bronze star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Medal.
The Ohio 129th General Assembly passed House Bill 325 on March 22,
2013, dedicating that portion of Rte. 47 between State Rte. 49 and U.S.
Hwy. 127 in Darke County as Pfc. Douglas E. Dickey Memorial Highway.
Buchy told those assembled that the example set by Pfc Dickey must be
passed on to future generations.
“Forty million of our men and women have served in conflicts throughout
our history. Ten million of them have been wounded… two million, like
Douglas Dickey, paid the supreme sacrifice,” Buchy said.
“Because of patriots like him, we are the longest living free society
in history.”
Buchy added that “we have to figuratively and literally die to keep it.”
He said that young people must be taught “what and who we are.” He said
that among the nation’s 56 founders, most lost their fortunes, some
lost their lives, but not a single one lost his honor.
“We must teach our youth. We must resolve to teach the significance of
what Private Dickey did for us… what the founders gave to us.”
Before the ceremony began, Dickey’s brother, Norman, said that Buchy
was instrumental in getting the legislation for this dedication passed.
He said they met with the governor (Kasich) when he signed the bill.
Norman, also a Vietnam veteran, was wounded in action just nine days
before his brother was killed.
The ceremony was conducted by Post Commander Dennis Dickey, Douglas
Dickey’s younger brother.
Published courtesy
of The Early Bird
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