Shadow box

I was with you when you were killed on July 25, 1968
Posted on 6/5/17 - by Sgt. Danny Chrisler azvet1947@hotmail.com

Charles, I was the track commander on Track #10 the day you were killed. You were our new medic and we were just getting to know each other. When we were ambushed that morning, I was blown out of the cupola by a rocket propelled grenade going completely through the hatch cover. I was blown across the road, when I crawled back to the track, I was yelling for the medic because I had shrapnel wounds. Just then I saw another rocket propelled grenade strike the M60 machine gun shield that you were standing behind firing the machine gun. You were doing a great job, but everything exploded killing you instantly. We knew each other such a short time, I had forgotten your name until I found it today. I was from Wisconsin and remembered that you were from Illinois. I love you man and you died a HERO in my eyes. You were dusted off with me and I took care of you as much as I could. You are my HERO, Sgt. Danny Chrisler.

memorys
Posted on 5/7/16 - by jim pekny cncacc@sbcglobal.net

WE still miss you every day bro Jim Pekny

Remembering An American Hero
Posted on 7/25/13 - by Curt Carter

Dear SP4 Charles Dennis Pekny, 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

Laura Book
Happy Birthday Uncle Denny. We will never forget all that you did to serve and protect our country. You are truly missed. Love your niece, Laura
Dec 15, 2009

Nancy E.
Grateful Admirer
USA
Tribute from a Lombard native admirer on the 41st anniversary of Denny Pekny's death
I had such a crush on Denny Pekny the summer of 1965 at the dance hall Coffee Break on North Avenue near Lombard. It was the place to go on Friday nights. The summer of the California surfing style of tan jeans, white jeans, madras shirts, surfing music. The bands played 'Gloria' and 'Wooly Bully.' Denny had blonde hair, a bit curly in front and twinkling eyes. I was too shy to talk with him or ask him to dance.

He probably graduated in 1965 or 1964. He was most likely a wrestler, and I was told he went to Glenbard East High School. I went to a nearby high school.

In January 1972, one year before the Paris peace accords at which the agreement for American POWs to be returned was signed, I was vacationing in Asia as an airline employee. Our plane made an unscheduled stop at the Saigon airport and we disembarked for one hour. My girlfriend and I were able to get back onto the plane, something which POW John McCain could not do as he was still being held prisoner in the 'Hanoi Hilton.' I am forever grateful for the valor shown by all those who fought in Vietnam, and all the nurses and volunteers who supported our troops in Vietnam.

I never actually knew Denny Pekny, yet seeing his photo again even though I could still picture him in my mind easily takes me back more than 40 years. When I discovered his photo at another Vietnam memorial website some months ago, the sense of loss was tangible.

I guess this website was created within the last 10 years or so. Otherwise, I'm sure there would have been more tributes to him from friends and family. He seemed like such a nifty guy. I would like to know more about the area and action in which this promising young man lost his life.

To his loved ones, I offer this tribute written by Abraham Lincoln: 'The solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice on the altar of freedom.' May the Lord ease your sorrow through the years ahead.

Nancy E., Lombard native Jul 27, 2009

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. "He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless You for your Sacrifice!!!

Jul 25, 2007

Sam Maggio
ilini68@hotmail.com
I was a friend of his.
Denny, you were man.
Denny, I went through basic with you. We got on the train together that morning in Lombard. You were the best physical speciman in the company. You were what we wanted to send to Nam. I went to Infantry and you went to Fort Sam Houston if I remember right. You got medic school, something that I would not wished for. I was wouned May 16,68. When I got home June 1st, you were in the papers. I went to your funeral. My friend went back late and lost a stripe to be there that day. You were the best Denny, I will never forget you. I saw your folks several times, once in Springfield, nothing will ever make it better. Peace Denny, I will always speak your name and remember you. Sam J. Maggio 50% disabled vet, two purple hearts.
Thursday, September 13, 2001

Where does the time go? I was reminded by Nancy E. about your 41st anniversary. Yeah, I was at your funeral, home on leave after getting wounded twice. My engineer buddy stayed for the funeral and lost a stripe. We went to Fort Leonardwood together on June 22nd, 1967 and you were the finest specimen that America could put on a battlefield. I remember you were a gymnast. They made you the platoon leader first day. It was the worst of a hot summer and we all lost weight. You were bright, active, never said a bad word about anything and always positive. After 9 weeks of marching you went to Fort Sam Houston for medic school and I went to Ft. Polk for infantry. I never saw you again but there isn't a week that goes by that I don't think of you and the Lombard and Villa Park guys. We were going to win the war and then go home and hang out at Skips and drag race just like before. Funny how your dreams get squashed. Peace to you and your family. I hope they got you on a nice shady hill up there with a swimming hole close by. You were the best this country could produce. We will never forget.

I had such a crush on Denny Peckny the summer of 1965 at the dance hall Coffee Break on North Avenue near Lombard. It was the place to go on Friday nights. The summer of the California surfing style of tan jeans or white jeans, surfing music, madras shirts. The bands played "Gloria" and "Wooly Bully." Denny had blonde hair, a bit curly in front, and twinkling eyes. I was too shy to talk with him.

He probably graduated in 1965 or 1964. He was most likely a wrestler, and I was told he went to Glenbard East High School. I went to a nearby high school.

In January 1972, one year before the Paris peace accords at which the agreement for American POWs to be returned was signed, I was vacationing in Asia as an airline employee. Our plane made an unscheduled stop at the Saigon airport and we disembarked for one hour. My girlfriend and I were able to get back onto the plane, something which POW John McCain could not do as he was still being held prisoner in the "Hanoi Hilton." I am forever grateful for the valor shown by all those who fought in Vietnam, and all the nurses and volunteers who supported our troops in Vietnam.

I never actually knew Denny Peckny, yet seeing his photo again--even though I could still picture him in my mind--easily takes me back more than 40 years. When I discovered his photo on this wall some months ago, the sense of loss was tangible.

I guess this website was created within the last 10 years or so. Otherwise, I'm sure there would have been more tributes to him from friends and family. He seemed like such a nifty guy. I would like to know more about the area and action in which this promising young man lost his life.

To his loved ones, I offer this tribute written by President Abraham Lincoln: "The solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice on the altar of freedom."

May the Lord ease your sorrow through the years ahead

Pekny, Charles Dennis, SP 4