Bernard Francis Deutsch

Bernard Francis Deutsch was born in New Hampton and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Charles City. After graduation Deutsch worked for the local Co-op grain elevator in Ionia. During this time he met his wife and was married on June 15, 1968. He joined the Army in January 1969 and completed his basic training in Fort Polk, LA. Before leaving for Vietnam he was able to return to Ionia for his wife’s high school graduation ceremony, she was pregnant with their first child. PFC Deutsch was deployed to Vietnam in June 1969 and served as a machine gunner with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade in the Americal Division. On July 19 his unit was searching an area near Duc Pho when they engaged North Vietnamese forces. PFC Deutsch was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism during the battle as he silenced a key enemy bunker and saved the lives of several comrades before being mortally wounded. Three other Americans were killed in the engagement. His body was buried at Saint Boniface Church Cemetery in Ionia. His son was born 2 weeks after his funeral.