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David Dayle Mc Kenzie |
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Lance Corporal David Dayle Mc Kenzie was born on February 13, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to Mr. and Mrs. David D. Mc Kenzie of Ann Arbor, Michigan. David attended Mary Magdalene Parish School in Melvindale, Michigan until 1959. He attended St. Francis Xavier Parish School for one year. His family moved to Ann Arbor where he attended St. Thomas High School. He was the captain of his football team, and was on the All-City and All-Southwest football teams. He also lettered in basketball, baseball and track. David enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from High School.
Lance Corporal Mc Kenzie began his tour of duty in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam in June of 1965 serving as a rifleman with B Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Forces. David was killed early in his tour on July 12, 1965 when his unit was conducting a search and clear mission just south of Da Nang along the Song Cau Do River where mines were numerous.
David Dayle Mc Kenzie is survived by his parents and four sisters. He lived 20 years, 4 months and 29 days. He is resting in Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, Michigan. David's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Ann Arbor. His name also appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 02E Line 035. Rubbing from The Wall is below.
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My Tribute to Lance Corporal David McKenzie
By Darlene Imus
When I was a freshman at St. Thomas the Apostle High School in Ann Arbor, David McKenzie was a senior. He was regarded as a “celebrity” among the students. He had a charismatic personality, achieved academic excellence, and was an exemplary student athlete. He lettered in basketball, track, and baseball. In his senior year, he was the captain of the football team. He also made the all-city and all Southwest teams. These were great accomplishments! After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
My sophomore year, I was in the seventh-hour class (the last class of the day). Mother Stephanie (the superior head of the sisters was addressed as “Mother”) came on the PA system. She announced that David had been killed-in-action over in Vietnam. A “hush” came over my classmates in the room. Mother Stephanie stated that she had received this tragic news earlier in the day. However, she did not want to upset our day. She asked if we would say a silent prayer for him and his family. We did. Then, the bell rang, and we went to our lockers and gathered our belongings and headed for our final dismissal from our homerooms. Usually after the last bell rang, there was loud talking, lockers banging, and the rushing to our homerooms.
That day was different! There was complete silence in the hallways. The students opened their lockers quietly. We were all in a state of SHOCK! When we arrived at our homeroom, Sister had tears in her eyes (David was well respected and liked by everyone!). We sat down, and she asked us to keep David and his family in our evening prayers. Then we were dismissed.
Reality had set in about the Vietnam War with all of us students. One of our own had been killed early in his tour of duty. It happened while he was helping to conduct a search and clear mission just south of Da Nang along the Song Cau Do River, where mines were numerous. David probably had received an athletic scholarship to attend a college or university. Instead, David enlisted in the Marine Corps. He felt that he needed to serve his Great Country!
The following week, we had an all-school mass (high school) in honor of David’s passing. At the high school level, the students’ conduct at mass was good. This mass seemed to be more solemn than those in the past. Throughout the mass, many things were brought out about David. Because this mass was published in the “St. Thomas Apostle Sunday Bulletin,” the church was packed with other parishioners. It brought about a closure for us as we honored David and his memory.
After I graduated from college with a BA in education, I eventually obtained a position teaching third grade at St. Francis of Assisi School in Ann Arbor. I had taught there a few years, when there was an opening for two first-grade positions. One of those positions was filled by David’s sister, Colleen. I had known Colleen (she was younger) while I attended St. Thomas. I sat one time at her table during our lunch time. I asked her if she minded if I talked about David. She said she was “okay” with it. I told how we at St. Thomas High School felt about him and his passing. I thought that she should have known how we all felt at that time. Then, she shared with me how her family reacted. Everyone was devastated! They all were so proud of him when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He chose to serve his great country and gave his ALL for it with his service!
Recently I visited the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti with Ann and Paulo Pereira. I was extremely impressed with the Memorial and its attractive surroundings. I was aware of how much time and effort had been spent on the beautification of this area. I found David’s name on the Memorial Wall and took a picture of it. I placed some artificial red roses below his name and taped a card they read: “Thank you, David!” I signed my name and my cousin’s name (she knew him, too).
Many years have passed since his death; however, when I visited this Memorial, I felt a final closure. This was something that I needed, and I felt at peace.
God Bless You, David!
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James Halter
Was there when he died
Delaware, OH 43015 USA
I have always remenbered
Dave was my freind and my fire team leader. I was there when he died. I carred him to the chopper. He was to young to die. Many of our best freinds died that day. I know that a part of me died with them I will always remember. I know I will see some day. God how we hated that war
Wednesday, March 08, 2000
Jim Bencik
Classmate, friend and buddy for a far too short period of time
MI
A friend and excellent football player who was a true American and hero for generations to come. He gave his life for the future of this country and because it was his time in the eyes of God. Thanks Dave, I hope to see you again in heaven. Jim
Tuesday, January 25, 2000
The above two comments from www.thewall-usa.com