David Devers was born on October 9, 1940, in Painsville Lake, Ohio. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 4, 1958, and completed basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in August 1958. Pvt Devers then attended Mortar Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, from August to October 1958, followed by Basic Airborne School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from October to November 1958. His first assignment was with Company A, 1st Airborne Battle Group of the 504th Infantry Regiment in West Germany from December 1958 to November 1962, followed by service with Company B, 1st Airborne Battle Group of the 327th Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from December 1962 to October 1963. Sgt Devers entered Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning on October 20, 1963, and was commissioned a 2d Lt of Infantry in the U.S. Army on April 17, 1964. After completing advanced training with the U.S. Army Infantry School and serving in the U.S., Lt Devers was assigned to Military Assistance Command Vietnam in February 1966. Capt Devers was captured by the Viet Cong in South Vietnam on August 13, 1966, and was executed while held in captivity on September 30, 1966. His remains were recovered on December 27, 1969, and returned to the U.S. in January 1970. David Devers was buried at the Live Oaks Cemetery in Paulding, Ohio.

Epitaph For A Hero

If I should perish overseas
In service to my Land
I shall have died a noble death--
Let none misunderstand.

I hope my body will be found,
Returned back to my home,
Where it was nourished and inspired--
No more to yearn, or roam.

Home is the soldier then from the war
Back to his family;
Home is the patriot at last,
Buried in majesty.

Pause, visitor, and cast a glance,
Upon a hero's grave;
Be thankful to breathe Freedom's air,
For which his life he gave.