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<em>David Rockwell Crocker Jr.,</em> was born at the Station Hospital, Camp Wheeler, Georgia on 20 December 1943.</div>
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David was hit leading Company A, 2d Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 25th Division on 17 May 1969 and died that afternoon in a Field Hospital in Tay Ninh Province. Into that lifetime of 25 1/2 years, he threw himself with a zest and intensity which not only brought him enjoyment, but also delighted those with whom he came in contact.</div>
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As a child, his lively curiosity and quest for adventure led him into situations from which only his physical adroitness could extricate him. Hidden under a ready smile and quick wit was a deep, personal sensitivity which, in the man, caused him to be most compassionate towards his fellowman.</div>
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He attended numerous schools as he accompanied his family from post to post in the United States, Japan and Cermany. When his parents left for Pakistan in early 1961, David stayed in Kails Church, Virginia, to graduate from George Mason High School. Immediately thereafter he entered the Army for basic training at Fort Jackson and attended the West Point Prep School at Fort Belvoir. From there, on his own, he realized the ambition of his young life, an at-large appointment to West Point.</div>
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He entered the Academy in July 1962 with an independent spirit, an irrepressible will to succeed, and a mischievous gleam in his eye. Throughout, his willingness to help, his determination to make a bleak situation cheerful, and an unselfish sharing of his talents for the good of the group, made David an invaluable asset to the Class of 1966.</div>
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These things, too, marked his participation in sports and with his class committee. When it came time for relaxation, his lively and capricious imagination led either to pranks on the Plain or to trips into the surrounding hills, which he dearly loved. The 1966 <em>HOWITZER</em> summarized David in these words:</div>
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“Camping, scuba diving, mountain climbing, music, philosophy, thought, knowledge, athletics, hard work—these are some of the things that help Dave live life to the fullest. Dave was always able to distinguish that which he valued and that which mattered not. He was a source of strength and encouragement for those of us not so fortunate. His consideration, understanding, and respect for the rights of others make Dave a true friend.”</div>
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At a Second Class exchange weekend at the Coast Guard Academy, Dave met Ruthie Whipple of Mystic, Connecticut. They found many attitudes and interests in common, and a similarity in spirit which engendered deep love. They were married at Mystic the day following graduation from West Point.</div>
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After a summer leave of two months, Dave went to Benning for Ranger, then Parachute Training. He and Ruthie, who joined him after Ranger School, left for their first assignment in the Third Division in Germany. The team of Ruthie and David contributed unstintingly to the quality of life in Wildflecken and, subsequently in Wurzburg as Dave served as Adjutant, Company Commander and Aide, successively.</div>
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They returned for leave in the States in the Fall of 1968 prior to Dave’s departure for Vietnam in November of that year.</div>
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A classmate and close friend has written:</div>
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"DAVE"</div>
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Born in a high and mighty mountain peak,</div>
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A briskly bubbling stream winds it way</div>
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through jagged rocks—</div>
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Powerful-gushing through the green forest</div>
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carpet,</div>
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Over countless miles of rugged land,</div>
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giving life and love to pines and deer alike</div>
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Along its way delighting the hearts of</div>
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cheerful infants, dazzled by the sparkling</div>
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sight,</div>
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Providing the "Huck Finn’ with hours of</div>
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fishing pleasure and a good "Ole</div>
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Swimmin’ Hole,"</div>
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Rushing silently by the young lovers who</div>
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have only just begun,</div>
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Nourishing the parched fields of</div>
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hardworking farmers.</div>
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Presenting the artist and the poet a picture</div>
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of serene beauty.</div>
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And to the aged, a place for reflections of the</div>
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happiness of by-gone days...</div>
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Until coursing to the sea it has lived to serve</div>
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God’s ultimate purpose.</div>
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Dave was such a stream-a giver of love and understanding, Comfort and strength to all he touched—Delighting the hearts of countless friends whose lives he blessed.</div>
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<em>—Paul H. Roggenkamp</em></div>