Soldier standout

A former Marion Pleasant High School football coach says he never will forget a former player and U.S. Army soldier who was killed in Vietnam in 1969. Robert Gucker of McCutchenville, who also is an Army veteran, said Sgt. David Harris was inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame May 5. Harris was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the military's second-highest honor. Gucker received the award on behalf of Harris. Gucker said after Harris graduated from high school in 1966, he attended University of Nebraska and played on the freshman football team. He said Harris was drafted into the Army shortly after and was killed March 23, 1969. Gucker said Harris was killed on the battlefield trying to save several other soldiers who were wounded. "He died while attending to others," he said. "That's just the type of kid he was. He didn't have any regard for his own life, he was going to save his buddies. That's why he got the Silver Star, because he saved his comrades on the battlefield. If anybody would do it, he would do it." Gucker's wife, Judy Gucker, said Harris' actions were amazing. "He died trying to help three or four other men in his squad," she said. "Then he bled to death getting them all help. He died on the field, but he saved about three of his comrades there." Robert Gucker said Harris was well liked. "He was such a likable guy, that I can't really come up with words," he said. "His background was great, he was just a kid that you know from the time you met him, you loved him until the time he was gone." Gucker said Harris was an accomplished athlete, playing running back and defensive end for the Pleasant Spartans. He compiled 2,916 rushing yards on 512 carries and scored 34 touchdowns in his career. "He was hard-nosed and he did everything you want him to do without asking too much," he said. "He was probably the best football player in Marion County history. No one will ever be able to accomplish what he accomplished." Harris was a First Team All-Ohio selection his senior season. "We just gave him the ball on every play," he said. Gucker said Harris was a great football player, but an even better person. "He just, he gave you 100 percent, all the time," he said. "When he was a player, when he was a student and when he was a friend. Everything about him was just unexplainable." Judy Gucker said the Ohio Military Hall of Fame induction was attended by 50-60 of Harris' friends and family members. She said 27 service members were inducted into the hall of fame, including five posthumously, and about 600 people attended. "The ceremony was absolutely gorgeous," she said. "You just had chills running up and down your spine." Judy Gucker said she was amazed by the actions of those honored. "These people, you can't imagine what these men all did to save other people," she said. Robert Gucker said he saw many former football players at the ceremony, which was at the Ohio Statehouse. He also said one of Harris' friends, Bill Allman of Newport Beach, California, arranged a luncheon after the ceremony. Robert Gucker said another presentation honoring Harris is scheduled for this fall at a Pleasant football game. "I can't wait to do that," he said. He said the Silver Star is to remain in the high school's trophy case to honor Harris for his leadership and sacrifice. "I'll never forget him," he said.