VETERAN OF THE DAY
January 29, 2026
LCPL DAVID JOHN CHAMPAGNE
U.S. MARINE CORPS
October 4, 1948 – January 29, 1968
KILLED IN ACTION | VIETNAM WAR
BASIC INFORMATION
Name: David John Champagne
Rank: Lance Corporal (LCpl)
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III MAF
Home of Record: Minnesota
Date of Birth: October 4, 1948
Date of Death: January 29, 1968
Age: 19
Casualty Province (Vietnam): Quang Tri Province
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Panel 36E
HONORING HIS SERVICE
On January 29, 1968, Lance Corporal David John Champagne was killed in action while serving with the United States Marine Corps in the Republic of Vietnam.
LCpl Champagne was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, a unit operating in the volatile northern sector of I Corps during the final days before the Tet Offensive erupted across South Vietnam.
The end of January 1968 saw heavy enemy movement, probing attacks, and escalating combat along the DMZ and throughout Quang Tri Province. Marines in 2/4 were engaged in aggressive patrols and defensive operations in terrain that offered no comfort and little warning.
At only 19 years old, LCpl Champagne stood in that uncertain space between tension and explosion — just two days before the Tet Offensive would ignite nationwide.
IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
From Minnesota to the battlefields of Quang Tri Province, David Champagne represents the young Americans who answered the call without hesitation.
He was 19.
His name is permanently engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., a quiet testament to courage and sacrifice.
Today, we speak his name so history does not whisper it.
mickyspano.com/
The Micky Spano Show and mickyspano.com/ honor a Veteran of the Day, every day, because remembrance is not optional.
Today we honor LCpl David John Champagne, United States Marine Corps, who gave his life in Vietnam on January 29, 1968.
If you served with LCpl Champagne, knew his family, or have photos or memories you would like to share, please reach out so his story continues to be told.
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Honor the fallen. Support the living. Teach the next generation.
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