DAVID EARL BROACH

David Earl Broach died in the service of his country while serving in
Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Infantry Division

Last name: Broach
First name: Earl David
Home of Record (official): Dallas
State (official): TX
Date of Birth: September 12, 1950
Marital Status: Single

Branch: Army
Rank: E-4
Component: Infantry
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B2P
Major Organization: 4th Infantry Division
Unit of assignment: Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne)

Entered Service:
Start of Tour: June 24, 1969
Date of Casualty: August 3, 1970
Age at time of loss: 19
Casualty type: Hostile, died
Reason: Mine explosion, ground
Country: South, Vietnam
Province: Phu Yen

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 8W, Row 78

Ranger Memorial Stone: Section D, Column 21

Most gracious Lord, we offer our humble thanks for the life of Earl David Broach. His time was too short but he did bring honor to Your Name, his Family, his Country, and the United States Army. Truly he represents the Words spoken by your Son, Jesus; "Greater love hath no man than this, that he give his life for a friend". He did just that, and because he did, the flame of hope still burns today because of men and women like Earl. He was sent by You to guard the "WALL", and hopefully there will always be those that will continue this deed until you return. Truly one day you will return and with you will come peace on earth and good will towards all. . To the family that has had to bear the loss of Earl, we offers our heart-felt thanks for your standing so strong. Many that enjoy real Freedom have been affected by the great contribution he gave towards it. He is still dearly loved and missed, even to this day.

Bob Smyers

I find myself once again scanning the "Wall" and again searching for the words to honor another brother. Earl like many of the of this war and wars past, was but a young man. He started his tour on June 24, 1969 and the fact that he perished on August 3, 1970, certainly shows he was a warrior. His time in country had been served and he could have been back home. Instead he volunteered to stay on for another six months. Although all in Vietnam were in danger, Earl served with one of the most dangerous units there, the Famed 75th Ranger Regiment, Long Range Patrol. These patrols made up of only 4 men, were dropped deep in enemy held territory to gather much needed information, information that could not begotten any other way. Why would Earl want to continue facing such odds rather than go home? Only Earl and God can answer that question. He as all men that take on such task are not like the average man. No, there was a sense of intrigue, adventure, a desire to challenge the unknown, to walk on the edge, to be different. I can not explain it, each man is different, but all possessed like spirits. Men of this type unit were in a sense heroic, it took much courage to do what they did. Earl the soldier, was dedicated to and determined that the dictatorship in Vietnam would not prevail, that the Vietnamese People could live in Freedom and Liberty. Earl left behind a good memory for all that knew him. He was by all accounts a really good person, one that brought laughter with him, always ready to sacrifice his own comforts for others needs to be met. To look at him he was the boy next door, barley out of High School, but still very much a man. One that answered the call of his country at a very turbulent time, in the history of our nation and abroad. Know this, even though we were not born of the same parents but we were and are brothers forever. His deeds while with us will be remembered as long as we do not forget, nor allow others to forget. For those who have fought for it, freedom is a taste that the protected will never know. So, I ask on this day for all to take a moment to honor our brother and his unselfish act of giving. Let each of us strive to never let America or any freedom loving person to forget, freedom, is not without a cost As with Earl, many have given the ultimate sacrifice that others may live accordingly as they will. Brother sleep on in peace with the others like you, and one day the Sun will rise again for you, and we will all rejoice with you!

Bob Smyers

Earl "Dallas" Broach had come to K/75th Inf Ranger, 4th ID in the summer of 1970 and was sent to me as a replacement in Tuy Hoa, RVN. I was down with dysentery and could not go on this particular mission. Dallas took my place as Assistant Team Leader, and point man. SSG Wm Wade was Team Leader. Wade had the team moving on an old trail, when someone or something tripped a mechanical ambush. Dallas being point man took the brunt of the explosion and was KIA instantly. I've carried this for 32 years, feeling that he may still be around if I'd been well enough to go on that particular day.

William B. Bullen, team mate

I went to high school with David in 1967. The last time I saw him was at Cam Rahn Bay, South Vietnam in 1970. He was a ranger attached to the Fourth Infantry Division. He was on his second tour; I was beginning my first. He gave me some good advise. Being an Army Ranger in Vietnam was, at best, very risky. David was good at what he did. He served his country well. I sometimes wish we could talk again. The American people should be grateful for soldiers like David Broach.

Gary Ward, classmate

Dave was a great guy, fun to be with, he had come home on leave, and we partied pretty good, before he left to go back, we sat around and drank beer and cried, we all thought he would be home again in 6 months, Will never forget his funeral. We miss you Dave..

Steve Barry, classmate