35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SP4 Jack Earl Deeter    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Alpha Company
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment

Vietnam War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Jack Earl Deeter, who died in the service of his country on November 24th, 1969 in Quang Duc Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Jack was 21 years of age. He was from Meadsville, Pennsylvania. Jack is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 120.

The decorations earned by SP4 Jack Earl Deeter include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.


Jack is buried at:

Denny's Memorial Cemetery

Rt 98, Meadsville, PA

Section 6, Lot 8

(Below from Fellow Cacti Bob Blackwell)

It was a hot steamy day in Vietnam, just like so many others, but today we were getting resupplied out in the jungle while on a search and destroy mission. That meant mail from home, new stock of C-rations, water, ammo and whatever else we needed. The chopper came in with the supplies and they were unloaded and we went about distributing the new supplies and mail. When we got all the water we needed from the water blivit, the chopper was coming to pick it up. Jack Deeter and Ron Olson were sent to the clearing to load the blivit on the chopper while their buddies were busy with the resupply. However, we didn't know the VC had moved in for an ambush (probably saw the resupply chopper to locate our position). Jack and Ron triggered the ambush and paid the ultimate sacrifice! Had they not done so, it could have ended in tragedy for otheir buddies, but they had removed the element of surprise. Two young American lives lost that day, but the only good thing is that by giving their lives, we quite possibly saved others.

(His BSM Citation)

The Bronze Star Medal Is Presented To Specialist Four Jack E Deeter

For distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, Specialist Four Deeter consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he faced as a result of the ever-changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. Specialist Four Deeter's initiative, zeal, sound judgment, and devotion to duty have been in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.