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• Friday, December 02, 2016

  Highway Dedicated to Soldier Killed in Vietnam

  RICHBURG – In a ceremony complete with full military honors, Army Private First Class Duane C. Scott was posthumously remembered Dec. 1 with the dedication of State Route 275 as the “PFC Duane C Scott Memorial Highway.”

  

  Assemblyman Joseph Giglio and Senator Catharine Young joined Steve and Tom Scott, two of PFC Duane Scott’s brothers, and PFC Scott’s mother, Patricia Scott, to dedicate State Route 275 as the “PFC Duane C Scott Memorial Highway.”
  

  The memorialization of the road developed from a home-grown effort begun earlier this year by local veterans and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution who wished to pay tribute to the fallen local hero. Legislation sponsored and passed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) and Assemblyman Joseph Giglio (R,C,I- Gowanda), and signed by Governor Cuomo, formally designated the highway in honor of the Vietnam War veteran, who lost his life serving his nation on September 29, 1969.

  American Legion Department of New York Commander John Sampson spoke at the dedication, noting:

  “Duane’s story of patriotism can be told so that the people will learn of his sacrifice and the real cost of freedom.”

  Also participating in the ceremony were Lester Baker Sr, Third Vice Commander of AMVETS Department of New York; Ron Moore; Cattaraugus County American Legion Chaplain, and Morrison-Hayes American Legion Post 702 Honor Guard.

  Duane Carl Scott was born on July 25, 1949, and grew up in Allegany County, attending school in the Village of Richburg until he began his military service. PFC Scott was a graduate of Richburg Central School’s Class of 1967, where he played both basketball and soccer. PFC Scott completed his training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and was then assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment. After spending just six months in the Army he deployed to Vietnam, beginning his tour on August 3, 1969.

  PFC Scott was killed in action on September 29, 1969, in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other citations.

  A portion of State Route 275 that has been dedicated in his honor passes PFC Scott’s school and the cemetery in which he was laid to rest.