The Passing of a Hero

I have learned that Chief Dave Gottschalk's father, Sergeant Major David Ralph Gottschalk (U.S. Army Retired), passed away early this morning after suffering a massive stroke on December 7th (a fitting date). Sergeant Major Gottschalk served in the United States Army for twenty-four years which included three tours in Vietnam. He was awarded six (!) Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars for valor, one Silver Star for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in combat (the DSC is the second highest award under the MOH), not to mention numerous other awards and citations for service and duty. He also was assigned to the Rapid Reactionary Force with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Splendid behavior!