Donald Kay Lakey

Donald Kay Lakey was born on May 18, 1944 in Fort Dodge. He was a graduate of Fort Dodge High School. Lakey enlisted in the Army in 1962 as an infantryman. SGT Lakey was assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry in the 1st Infantry Division. His unit arrived in Vietnam in June 1966. On November 1, 1966 SGT Lakey’s company was conducting a search and destroy operation when they suddenly became engaged with a large hostile force. The unit received heavy fire including automatic weapons, small arms, and mortar fire. SGT Lakey placed himself in harm’s way to return fire on the enemy troops as well as provide support and first aid care to his fellow soldiers. While performing these heroic acts, SGT Lakey received a fatal gunshot wound to the head. He was 22 years old at the time of death. He is buried at the Jefferson Cemetery in Greene County. SGT Lakey was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and deemed a combat leader of the highest caliber.