Soldier Returned Home
David Cederstrom was born May 10, 1948 and educated in Salt Lake City Utah. He graduated from East High School in 1966.
Pfc. Cederstrom began his tour of Vietnam April 20, 1967. Pfc Cederstrom was a member of the A Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Calvary, 1st Infantry Division, U. S. Army and was killed in action May 29, 1967 in the Binh Doung Province, South Vietnam. His specialty was an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. He was killed by a ground explosive device.
Private First Class David Orin Cederstrom was buried at Fort Douglas.
For paying the ultimate sacrifice Cederstrom was awarded the Purple Heart, the Nation Defense Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
David O Cederstom's name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Washington D.C Panel 21 E Line 9
Candace Hyde (Wang)
Rest in peace.
Jane Murdoch (Gardner)
It's so sad to read about the deaths of our classmates. I didn't realize how many were lost in or because of Vietnam and how young they were. David didn't even reach a year out of high school. RIP David and all out friends that are gone.
Nick Snow
Dave was a good and decent person. His death so soon after we all graduated made me start to question the rartionale behind US involvement in Vietnam. By 1974, when it was winding down, Utah had the biggest chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. Looking at other classmates' obituaries, I realize now that many of them served over there and paid the ultimate price. When will we ever learn?
Sissel Hadel (Hawkes)
I read David's obituary aloud ,studied his high school picture,read the comments by Nick,Jane and Candace. ..I cry.Conrad Hunsaker
I met David in the 8th grade. I knew his older brother Brent a little better. David and Brent raised homing pigeons. I never had any classes with David, but I liked him. He was as good and genuine a person you will find anywhere.
I remember talking to Brent and was told David got his draft notice in September 1966. It was just 3 months after graduation. I got mine in October and enlisted. Because of enlistment, I was granted a 180 day delay. I reported to Fort Bliss, Texas the day David started his tour in Vietnam. I was an Artillery Recon specialist and witnessed (3) I.E.D. explosions while supporting the 173rd Airborne. They were the same type that took David's life. I lived through one of these explosions and was only 20' away. The concussion knocked me off my feet. I believe I have first hand knowledge of what happened to David.
GOD BLESS OUR FALLEN CLASSMATES - GOD BLESS DAVID CEDERSTROM
Roger Ball
David was a close friend of mine at Roosevelt Jr. High and at East. I moved at the end of the Sophmore Year. I only discovered the David perrished in Viet Nam. On this Memorial Day I remember my friend.
Rudy Thompson
Now, say what good that damn war ever did for us, but kill our young.I'm so very sorry.