---

In Memory of U.S. Army Private First Class

Daniel Gilbert Stands, Jr.

Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Shannon County

December 5, 1942 -- March 18, 1966

Died of Wounds Received in Action in Vietnam

  

Daniel Gilbert “Dan” Stands, Jr. was born on December 5, 1942, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to Daniel and Monica Stands. He had four brothers, Calvin, Francis, Vernon, and Duane; he also had a sister, Illa Marie. Daniel went to and graduated from Holy Rosary Mission High School in May of 1964, and then he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, because he had a chance to go to school. When he couldn’t find a job to help support himself, he joined the army.

Daniel entered the service on June 12, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona. After his training, he went overseas to Vietnam on January 4, 1966, with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.

PFC Daniel Gilbert Stands, Jr. died on March 18, 1966 in Vietnam. According to the casualty report, he died “as the result of gunshot wound to stomach received in hostile ground action.” PFC Daniel Stands’ body was brought back to the U.S. He was buried with military honors near Sturgis, SD, at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Private First Class Daniel Stands was awarded a Purple Heart along with others awards and was the first Oglala Sioux American Indian to die in Vietnam. His cousin, Patrick Giago, posted the following remembrance at <http://www.bobcat.ws/standstrib.htm>:

Cousin, your Relatives know of the sacrifice that you made for your Country. We know and Honor your service. Your past Ancestors hold you in high esteem as the Warrior who gave so that the People may live. And the Legacy of the Warrior is handed down to those who are now and in the future ready to lock and load and keep the People Free. Ho Heche Tu welo! Mitakuyasi!

This entry was respectfully submitted by Shavan Ager and Amber Meyer, 8th grade, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota, on March 22, 2006. Information for this entry was provided by South Dakota Vietnam Veteran’s bonus application and Rapid City Journal, March 20 1966, issue. Additional information was found at http://www.bobcat.ws/standstrib.htm. P/S/F/A 4/4/06.