THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SP4 David Kenneth Bruning, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Rogers City mourns the death of Sp4 David K. Bruning, the first native son to lose his life in Vietnam. Sp4 Bruning, a machine gunner with the 25th Infantry Division, was killed in combat last week near Tan Son Nhut. His death resulted from injuries received during hostile action with the enemy Monday, March 4.
His wife, Rita, who resides in Alpena, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bruning of Rogers City, were notified of his death Friday.
Last week’s issue of the Advance carried the story of Sp4 Bruning’s receiving the Purple Heart after having been wounded in action on January 4. He recovered from his injuries and was returned to action.
David Bruning was born in Rogers City on January 14, 1945. He grew up here, attending local schools and graduating from Rogers City High School in June, 1963. He married Rita Witkowski at St. Mary’s Church, on November 5, 1966. Before he entered the service on May 10, 1967, he was employed for two years at Fletcher Paper Company in Alpena. He arrived in Vietnam last October 12.
Mrs. Bruning was to have joined her husband in Hawaii in several weeks, when he was scheduled for a rest leave.
Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are two brothers, Timothy and Mark, and a grandmother, Mrs. John Bruning, all of Rogers City.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.


Article courtesy of Ruth Babcock and VVA154

David is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Alpena, Mich.

I will remember.