DOB: April 6, 1948 (Norwalk, CT) –
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Alicja Wrotynska in 1988.
CHILDREN: One son, Michael, and one daughter, Maya.
LOCAL ADDRESS: 5 Ox Yoke Lane, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: October 15, 1967
DISCHARGE: September 3, 1969
UNIT: Company C, 1/508 Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division
FAMILY: Born to Norman N. [WWII veteran] (1918-2007) and Maxine Tarlov Glasser Brandman (1920-2004). Three brothers, Kim (1951-), Gary (1953-), and Ross (1956-).
DECORATIONS: Received the Purple Heart Medal due to wounds received on May 26, 1968, in the A Shau Valley. Also received the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal.
OTHER: President of Brandman’s Paint and Decorating Centers, a local business for 105 years.
Norwalk High School, Class of ’66 yearbook
“Silence is golden…” Dave’s ambition is to be an accountant. Definitely likes girls, sports, and all kinds of cars. Dave is easy to get along with. Has no strong dislikes. Cross Country, 3.
Photo contributed by David Brandman. Basic training graduation photo.
From The Norwalk Hour July 25, 1968
NORWALKER RECOVERING FROM VIETNAM WOUNDS
Private First Class David Brandman, recuperating from wounds to his arms and thigh suffered in Vietnam, smiled as Harry Chernikoff, volunteer liaison of the Jewish War Veterans, announced his identity and told David how he heard he was in Walter Reed Hospital. David’s cousin, Malcolm Tarlov, is a past commander of the JWV, and asked Mr. Chernikoff to be sure to visit his cousin and send him a picture of him. The request was fulfilled immediately, though David would have been visited the next week anyway since members of the JWV visit patients at Walter Reed every other week. A native of Norwalk, David was in Vietnam, stationed near Phu Bai for two months before he was hit when on patrol and sent to a hospital in Japan, and subsequently returned to the United States to Walter Reed for further treatment of his wounds. He is one of the many patients visited regularly by the Jewish War Veterans, who have been regular visitors. David hopes to go on a 30-day convalescent leave soon to see his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Brandman of 5 Ox Yoke Lane.
Narrative submitted by David Brandman
It was our squad’s turn to try and retrieve the dead bodies of our company and RTO man. Our squad leader was a very good soldier, it was his third tour in Vietnam, he was 27 years old, and he taught us and protected us like we were his children. He put himself 5th in line and me 6th. The B-40 rocket landed next to him and killed him and the kid who was 4th. The point and slack men were killed. The 3rd soldier was wounded by enemy fire, and I was wounded by the B-40. Of the 6 of us going down that gulley first, 4 were killed, and 2 were wounded.
END
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 