During the May meeting, the Board of Education of the Indian Lake Local School District proudly awarded honorary diplomas to two brothers who left our high school before graduating in the late 1960s to serve their country in the Vietnam Conflict. Board policy states diplomas can be presented to any student who leaves school and joins the Armed Forces.
Art Davis got choked up when Superintendent Pat O'Donnell presented him his diploma and that of his late brother.
"I'm floored," he said.
Private First Class Kaye “Art” Davis joined the Marines when he turned 17 in 1969. His brother, Private First Class Duane Michael “Mike” Davis also joined the Marines. Because they enlisted, neither Davis brother finished high school at Indian Lake.
At the time, it was US Military policy that one brother would be sent home to spend one month with his family if he had another enlisted brother. As a result, Art Davis was sent home for leave, while Mike Davis continued on to active duty. Mike Davis was killed in a hostile attack by ground forces in the Quang Nam Province of Vietnam on February 24th, 1969. Art Davis was still home on leave when his brother passed away.
Art continued with the Marines, stationed in California and Hawaii. Immediately upon his discharge he began working with CSX Railroad. Art is now retired from the railroad living in Bellefontaine. He is a proud husband, father, grandfather, brother and veteran.
The Board of Education received the application and appropriate verification of eligibility from the Governor's Office of Veterans' Affairs. Superintendent Pat O’Donnell offered genuine thanks to these men for their sacrifice and service to our country.
Several members of the Davis family and friends were on hand to celebrate the occasion with a small graduation party at the school. Art Davis was also able to visit a memorial to fallen soldiers in the Indian Lake High School courtyard that includes a stone for Mike Davis.
