Daniel Gilbert “Dan” Stands, Jr.
Daniel Gilbert Stands Jr. was born on December 5, 1942 at
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Pine Ridge, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA; "Daniel went to and graduated from Holy Rosary Mission High School in May of 1964, and then he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, because he had a chance to go to school. When he couldn’t find a job to help support himself, he joined the army."
1 He was mlt active duty on June 12, 1964; "Daniel entered the service on June 12, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona. After his training, he went overseas to Vietnam on January 4, 1966, with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division."
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He died on March 18, 1966 at
Republic of Vietnam at age 23; "PFC Daniel Gilbert Stands, Jr. died on March 18, 1966 in Vietnam. According to the casualty report, he died “as the result of gunshot wound to stomach received in hostile ground action.” "
"Private First Class Daniel Stands was awarded a Purple Heart along with others awards and was the first Oglala Sioux American Indian to die in Vietnam. His cousin, Patrick Giago, posted the following remembrance at
http://www.bobcat.ws/standstrib.htm:
Cousin, your Relatives know of the sacrifice that you made for your Country. We know and Honor your service. Your past Ancestors hold you in high esteem as the Warrior who gave so that the People may live. And the Legacy of the Warrior is handed down to those who are now and in the future ready to lock and load and keep the People Free. Ho Heche Tu welo! Mitakuyasi!
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He was buried after March 18, 1966 at
Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, Meade Co., South Dakota, USA; "PFC Daniel Stands’ body was brought back to the U.S. He was buried with military honors near Sturgis, SD, at the Black Hills National Cemetery."
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