Central West Virginia Aging Services and American Legion Post #33 have announced that Daniel W. Burge will serve as parade marshal for this years Veterans Day Parade, on Saturday, November 11.
Daniel W. Burge was drafted into the United States Army on December 6, 1965, and was honorably discharged from active duty on December 8, 1967, as an E-4. He served in Charlie Company 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile as a machine gunner.
Daniel became a “Sky Trooper” when he was selected for the elite 1st Cavalry Airmobile Division. This group was the first full-strength air assault division in the world. The Airmobile Division is known as playing a key part in the Vietnam War. Daniel participated in many air assaults and major battles and operations in the Counteroffensive, Phase II of the Vietnam War in the areas of Cambodia Border, An Khe, Pleiku, An Hoa Valley, Quy Nhon, Da Nang, and South Vietnam.
Mr. Burge received a commendation for quick reaction and accurate fire for actions that occurred on November 24th, 1966. Burge assisted in the capture of three North Vietnamese soldiers of the 9th Battalion, 18th North Vietnamese Regiment Radio Team, wounding two in the process. The soldiers had their classified code book and logs with them when they were captured. The commendation stated that the capture could prove to be a significant event in the war effort.
Daniel also received the following medals:
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars
• 2 O/S Bars
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960
• Air Medal—25 air assaults in the first 4 months
• Combat Infantry Badge
• (1st Award) Expert Badge (M-60 Machine Gun)
• Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle M-14)
• Marksman Badge (Rifle M-16)
• Republic Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unite Citation Badge
• Army Commendation Medal
• Good Conduct Medal
Burge is a lifelong resident of Braxton County. He has been married to Margaret Annabelle (Hinkle) Burge for 55 years. They have two children: Donna Burge-Tetrick and spouse Frank Tetrick; and Daniel W. Burge Jr. and spouse Amy Burge. He has 7 grandchildren: Ian Tetrick and spouse Hope Tetrick; Lindsay Tetrick; Jessica McCourt and spouse Matt McCourt; Sabrina Burge; Alex Burge; Ethan Straughn Crites; and Sam Straughn. He is also the proud great grandfather to: Sophia, Austin, and Tucker McCourt.