1st Lieutenant
Bronze Star with Valor, 2 Purple Hearts
A native of Searcy, David S. Douglas graduated from Searcy High School in 1965. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Arkansas State and commissioned as a second lieutenant, branched Armor in the U. S. Army in 1969. After the officer basic course and jump school, he received orders to go to the Republic of Vietnam where he joined the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. As a platoon leader he was engaged in frequent combat operations. During one such operation, direct action by Lt. Douglas led to him being awarded the Bronze Star with Valor.
In May 1971, Lt. Douglas was involved in an engagement during which he received wounds that resulted in permanent disability. He received multiple fragment wounds to his entire body from an enemy rocket-propelled grenade.
As a result of the combat injuries, Lt. Douglas was awarded two Purple Hearts and medically retired from the Army. Upon leaving the Army, Lt. Douglas went on to earn a Master of Administrative Studies degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and have a successful business career. Over the years Douglas served in management positions in such companies as Johnson & Johnson, Oscar Meyer Foods, Bryan Foods and Sara Lee Corporation.
Lieutenant Douglas and his wife Mary have two daughters, Kristjan and Erin and reside in Calhoun, Ga.
