In Memory of Sgt. Dave C. Simonds... 3rd Platoon Squad Leader, A very special Brother within our Charlie Company Veterans Group, and a dear friend to all that knew him.
David "Dave" C. Simonds ..... 71 ____ 2/506 DMOR 2017
Died: March 17th, 2022 in Canaan, CT
Born: April 25th, 1950 in Lakewood, CT ________________________ Survived By: His Wife, JoAnn, and his Children and Grandchildren
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A Tribute Letter fron Lt. Ken Pitetti:
To JoAnn, family, and friends:
The first time I saw Dave I was serving as the 3rd platoon leader for Charlie Company and Dave was one of our replacements arriving on a Huey helicopter resupply run in the early Fall of 1970. At that time, we were patrolling an area west of Firebase Rakkasan and South of Firebase Ripcord, an area consisting of triple canopy, mountainous jungle situated between the coastline of South Vietnam and the border with Laos.
As his helicopter settled down into our position; C-rations, ammunition, new boots, jungle pants and an assortment of resupply paraphernalia was being thrown out one side of the helicopter and Dave with a few other replacements were exiting the other side. As he exited, we were loading sick and wounded soldiers past him, onto the chopper. It was August, stifling hot, and I have no doubt he was observing the faded, dirty, uniforms of the motley crew he was joining—Welcome to Vietnam Dave. Like all replacements, Dave was assigned to a squad and “buddied up” with a soldier in that squad who had survived 4-6 months in the field. Dave was told “watch him, do what he does, and you will have a good chance of surviving your tour.” Dave not only survived but became one of the squad leaders of 3rd platoon, someone that the men of the 3rd Platoon looked up to, listened to, and followed.
Fast forward to 2016 when I found out that the men who fought in Charlie Company in the years 1970-1971 had developed an organization and had a website and the website contained a roster of names and contact numbers. Dave was the first one I contacted and his enthusiastic and heartfelt conversation that day relieved my anxieties and I “rejoined” Charlie Company. Since then, I have worked with Dave in organizing our Charlie Company reunions and gravesite ceremonies; but more importantly my wife, Carol Sue, and I have become good friends with Dave and his wife, JoAnn.
The word Patriot is a person who loves their country and is ready to boldly support and defend it. Few citizens of this country can claim that they “boldly supported and defended it.” Dave can.
Dave, your Lieutenant is so proud of you not only for what you did in Vietnam, but also your accomplishments since returning home to run a business and work with your lovely wife, JoAnn, in raising a beautiful family.
To JoAnn and Dave’s family, we love you and we mourn your loss. Currahee, my Brother Dave!!
Ken & Carol Pitetti
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A Tribute Letter from Captain Bob Seitz:
Dearest JoAnn and family, _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Let me begin by sharing our sincerest condolences and deepest sympathies for the loss of Dave….husband, father and our beloved brother-in-arms. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The veterans of Charlie Company have the absolute greatest respect and admiration for Dave, his valor and dedication to his fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War. He was a true leader in combat on the hardest of days, always setting the very best of personal examples for his men, always leading from the front. He genuinely took care of his soldiers, and bound them together with trust, respect and affection, which have continued for a lifetime. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Since the war, Dave continued his leadership for the Charlie Company veterans, helping plan reunions, bringing all together as life-long brothers-in-arms, along with their families, regaining friendships that began so many years ago. As many of these reunions were at Ft Campbell, Dave earnestly enjoyed the soldierly bond of Charlie Company veterans with the young soldiers of today. Also, Dave’s sincere compassion was especially seen during the Charlie Company gravesite memorials for our fallen brothers. In recognition of both his combat service to our Nation and his continued service to his fellow Vietnam veterans, Dave was truly honored as a Distinguished Member of the 506th Regiment in 2017, in the presence of his Charlie Company brothers-in-arms. ________________________________________________
We know the many wonderful and beautiful memories of Dave will always be a blessing to your family, as these memoires will be to all Charlie Company veterans. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
With our sympathy and prayers, Captain Bob Seitz and the men of Charlie Company
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Dave Simonds Memorial Service
On Saturday June 4th nine members of the Charlie Company Memorial Team along with several of the wives met with Dave's family and the Couch-Pipa VFW 6851 of Canaan CT. The VFW had prepared an amazing lunch that was served prior to the Military Honor service. Commander Harrington called out to the crowd of Vietnam Veterans of the VFW post, introducing the men of Charlie Company; who had brought their Charlie Company canteen cups, to make a toast to Dave to start of the meal.
After the meal we met outside as Commander Kirk Harrington told how he met Dave when he arrived in Canaan and how an amazing friendship followed He then led in the dedication of the Dave Simonds' Memorial Park. A beautiful gazebo and flower garden in remembrance of Dave. Dave's granddaughter Megan then provided a wonderful presentation of Dave's life with his family.
Commander Harrington introduced the men of Charlie Company led by Tom Weides. Tom said that we were a small representation of the many men and women of Charlie Company who would have liked to be there. Of the many emails, letters and phone calls wishing they could have attended. Tom gave a description of Dave's relationship with his men in Vietnam and continued leadership afterward; helping with reunions, memorial teams and many other acts of kindness. A plaque was presented to JoAnn by Gary, along with letters from Captain Seitz and LT Pitetti.
The VFW Post Honor Guard did a salute and flag presentation. The firing team fired 3 volleys followed by Taps, as active duty prepared, folded and presented JoAnn with Dave's flag.
Afterward the Charlie Company ladies spent time with JoAnn. The men spent a lot of time with the family and friends telling and listening to many stories about Dave. JoAnn and the family took time for many pictures and special conversations. We had great conversations with Mark, Scott and Kate; Dave and JoAnn's children, throughout the afternoon. There were a lot of emotions throughout the day but much needed time together.
Several who drove to the memorial brought home a special memory to plant in our gardens. In memory of Dave's gardening talents, each table had a tomato plant as a center piece to be taken home to enjoy it's fruits this summer.
Those who attended were Tom/Cheryl Weides, Cal Kato, John Krupiczowicz, Dan/Kay Rogers, Glenn/Clara Green, Bob/Shirley Lister, Frank/Kathy Matsko, Glenn/Denise Shuman and Gary/Debbie Gilliam. We were blessed to be able to be there and spend time with the friends and family.
"Thank you brother for a job well done". Until we meet again my friend ..... "Currahee"......"Stands Alone"
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