David Hugus

David Hugus entered the military in February 1966 and was first assigned to Germany. He joined the 101st Airborne in Vietnam on January 28, 1968, two days before the Tet Offensive started. During his first deployment to Vietnam, Hugus was stationed at a fire base in the vicinity of Phouc Binh.

On March 4, while serving as a platoon leader, Hugus and his company came under attack. After the lead squad swept the area, Hugus prepared to report in the coordinates when a NVA opened fire and Hugus was hit by a round from a captured M79. The force of the impact sent Hugus flying 30 feet down range. After backup arrived, Hugus, finally able to relax for a moment, went into shock. After being evacuated to Fort Campbell, Hugus declined a surgeon’s recommendation to amputate his right leg above the knee, and one year later, after enduring extensive physical therapy, he took his first step unassisted.

Two years later, Hugus would pass PT test, graduate from Jungle Expert School, and return to Vietnam for his second tour now as a member of the 25th Infantry Division. During his second tour, Hugus commanded a rifle company for seven months.

Along with his Purple Heart, Col. Hugus was awarded numerous medals and commendations throughout his career, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and more.

While on active duty, Hugus received an MS and PhD in Operations Research Systems Analyst (ORSA) from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Today, Dr. Hugus is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and a volunteer mentor with the Henderson Veterans Treatment Court. He was nominated to take part in the Patriot Project Mission by MOPH Chapter 730 Commander Daniel Peterson.