BELLEVILLE, IL, US
U.S. Army
SPC, CO C, 1ST BN, 2D INF, SCHWEINFURT, GERMANY
05/16/2009, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
Army Specialist David A. Schaefer Jr. died May 16, 2009 of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Schweinfurt, Germany. His unit was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in Bagdad.
Twenty-seven year old Specialist Schaefer was from the Freeburg and Belleville areas of Illinois. He was known as “Davey” to friends and family and the eldest of five children. He attended Freeburg high school, but left before graduating. He was a strong willed and determined young man, but he was also respectful to the school staff and other students. He never caused trouble. After leaving high school, he went to work as a diesel mechanic for a trucking company. He later worked for a trucking center in Troy, Illinois.
He joined the military after obtaining his GED and making some significant changes in his life as he quit smoking, drinking and cursing. He served with the Illinois National Guard for one and a half years before being called to active duty in the regular Army.
David was strong-willed, very determined young man. He was proud and excited to be part of the US Army. Family clearly recognized how important it was to him to serve his country. He was ready for challenges that came his way and was known for being a soldier’s soldier because of his integrity and bravery. His service and devotion is honored by the posthumous award of a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and Medal of Excellence.
Those he leaves to hold his memory include his wife and three children, his parents, two sisters, and two brothers. He rests now within the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Comments