A man who had become what he could and what he 

Ready at any moment to gather eve

into one simple s

 Dag Hamm

From our nation’s inception, in times of war and peace, there have always been ind

who have had the courage and resolve to defend freedom under diffi cult circum

SSG Edwin Herbert DazaChacon was such an individual. Edwin was born in Co

South America, thousands of miles away from the United States. Ironically, he wou

the world on July 4th, the hallowed birthday of the nation he would one day defend

years earlier on a cold winter morning in 1960, an American president on his fi rs

offi ce had reminded all Americans, “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than 

will rest the fi nal success or failure of our course. Since this country was founde

generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national lo

As a young man, Edwin would immigrate to America. From his earlie

he would demonstrate an immense passion for life. Some would call him 

Renaissance man. Edwin loved all forms of music, history, and poetry. He w

uniquely talented in the areas of dance and the culinary arts. But as devoted a

was to these pursuits, nothing could ever match the love he had for his fam

friends. At the same time, however, Edwin had a bold and adventurous stre

child, he was fascinated with his cousin, a Colombian paratrooper. His sister Jessica 

once noted that, “Even when he was three or four years old, he was wearing an airborne 

hat. That was the man he was going to become.” This unique combination of toughness and 

sentimentality would serve him well in the years to come. His sister Monique Francesca 

fondly remembers her brother as, “The man with the soul of a warrior and the heart of a 

troubadour.” In time, Edwin would bring his talents to the U.S. Army and nobly answer 

his adopted country’s call to the colors.

 During the fi rst Gulf War, Edwin would fi ght with the 82nd Airborne. As a 

paratrooper in the famous All American Division, he would serve with distinction 

and develop a host of lifelong friendships. Later, he would participate in peacekeeping 

duties in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1997, he concluded his initial enlistment, entered 

civilian life, and joined the Army Reserve. Edwin would remain a civilian until shortly 

after the attacks on our nation on the morning of September 11, 2001.

After the crucible of 9/11, Americans everywhere experienced a wide range of 

emotions and reactions. Edwin’s response to the attacks was to volunteer once again for 

active duty. At the time, he told his sister that he intended “to do something instead of 
of America’s Special Forces are consistently called upon to be innovative, versatile, and resourceful in their wo

Like most members of his unit, Edwin had an array of talents. In addition to his infantry skills, he w

helping his fellow soldiers to win the equally important battle of providing and protecting critical info

the battlefront. Edwin provided vital linguistic and cryptologic-related support to coalition troops in the region

he was a translator; on other occasions he helped those in harm’s way to better discern the threats against t

whatever capacity he served, Edwin’s work was indispensable in securing victory and saving lives. The motto of 

Forces is De Oppresso Liber - to liberate the oppressed. During his time in our nation’s military—whether he wa

Iraq or Afghanistan—SSG Edwin H. DazaChacon more than lived up to this inspiring mantra. 

On his last day on this earth, Edwin and three other servicemen were called upon to rescue a group of sol

vehicle had overturned during a river crossing. On their way to the area, their Humvee hit a land mine and came 

enemy fi re. All would perish in the ensuing fi refi ght. For his bravery and courage that day, Edwin would posth

awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Action B

Edwin’s service and sacrifi ce for his nation, both on that day and throughout his life, would show that in 

understood the true meaning of what it means to be an American soldier. President Kennedy once said, “In the 

of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum 

not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it.”

Like President Kennedy, SSG Edwin H. DazaChacon never shrank from that responsibility. The energy

devotion that he brought to his endeavors will continue to inspire our country and all who serve it for generatio

SSG Edwin H. DazaChacon

United States Army

4 July 1967 - 13 February 2006

Photos courtesy of the DazaChacon Family

Narrative - Patrick Weadon, Curator, National Cryptologic Museum

Graphics/Layout - Terri Askew, NSA Creative Imaging

MEMORIAL DAY 2006

Visit our Web site: www.nsa.gov

NSA Creative Imaging-9529