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A Widow Remembers & Seeks Answers
Warriors' Watch Riders PA State Coordinator, Northeast Region
By Al "Bluesman" Philo
At Tobyhanna Army Depot in Northeast PA, there in a Memorial. On December 14, 2009, another brick was laid in this site. With this brick, there is a story. A story of the 1960's.
How many of us still remember the '60s? I mean vividly? Were you there? Do you remember the “Age of Aquarius?”"Peace will guide the planets, and love will steer the stars? No more falsehoods or derisions? Golden living dreams of visions? Mystic crystal revelations, and the mind's true liberation? Aquarius!"
Yes, that was the message of the "flower child generation," but somewhere they lost their illusion. In America, there was also a story being written, more real than could be described by such an ethereal song.
This is a true story by one who still can tell it in remembrance of a loved one. It is a story that has been told by many, in remembrance of many, in many places in the real America; today, as if for the first time.
In June, 1967, in a small town in Ohio, a boy named Ronnie gave an engagement ring to a girl named Darelynn on graduation day. They married August 12, that year. The American Dream was on its way...until the draft notice came.
Ronnie had to report on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1968. He was sent to Vietnam on September 2.
In April of 1969, after putting in more time as a solider than he did as a husband to his young bride, Ronnie gave the supreme sacrifice. He lost his life in South Vietnam. He died a hero, as did all who made that same sacrifice. He sacrificed his life and future for a piece of metal- A Silver Star. He lost his life while trying to save a brother soldier who had been wounded. Ronnie tried to carry him out of harm’s way, and lost his own life in his heroic attempt.
Ronald V. Hacker was married to Darelynn Hacker Clay, member of Warriors' Watch Riders, Friends of the Forgotten, and American Gold Star Wives, Vietnam Widow. Those who know her best know her as "Dceeeee.”
"Dceeeee" placed an engraved brick in the Memorial site at Tobyhanna Army Depot, in remembrance of her fallen husband. Her daughter, two grandsons, and a few close friends shared the moment with her. Friends of the Forgotten and Warriors' Watch Riders members Kim and George Atkins a Vietnam Veteran, and I wear the same WWR patch that Darelynn wears. Founders of Friends of the Forgotten Northeast Wing, MsSGT Howard Lee, USMC Retired Vietnam Veteran and president of FotF N.E.Wing and his wife Carol, FotF Treasurer and co-founder, are her Brother and Sister as members of FotF.
This was not a large event with a lot of motorcycles, and did not draw a lot of attention. Sadly, nearly every day, across America, ceremonies such as this occur and no one hears about it. I know that Darelynn was not hoping to gain any attention for herself today. But, I am sure she would like this moment to stand in honor all who have lost family members in support of our freedom.
In the words of Darelynn:
With love, to Donald Venton Hacker.
I am the widow of SGT Ron Hacker, who was killed in action on 3 April 1969.
He was killed west of Kontum as he was carrying a wounded soldier away from the line of fire. I was given his Purple Heart and Silver Star after his death, along with that information, but there is still so much unknown. I would like to know who that wounded soldier was, and if he survived. If anyone is still around who knows any details, I would like to get more info.
For that matter, if anyone even remembers Ron, and maybe has some stories to tell, or pictures to share, I would love to hear from you.
It's been 40 years, but he'll never be forgotten. There is a very special place in my heart that is reserved just for him.
Darelynn R (Hacker) Clay dhackerclay@gmail.com, or call 888-826-3215.
