Buddy Hewitt

Buddy Hewitt passed away December 6, 2021. Southern W. (Buddy) Hewitt, Jr. of Florence, SC was 83.He was preceded in death by his parents Southern Hewitt, Sr. and Susie Baker Hewitt, two brothers Jimmy Hewitt and Roger Hewitt, a son Wade Turner and daughter Tammy Turner Derrick, all of Florence. He is survived by his wife Janet Isgett Hewitt, a son Michael (Michelle) Hewitt of Johns Island, SC and two daughters Terry (Rick) Felder of Dunn, NC and Tracie L Turner of Florence, SC, and two sisters, Janie Langston of Deland, Fl and Sandra (Sonny) Powell of Florence, SC. He had 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and numbers of nieces and nephews. Buddy joined the Army in September, 1955 and proudly served as a Soldier for 35 years. During the first of two tours in Vietnam, Buddy was an integral part of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley, which occurred November 14-16, 1965.The battle took place at Landing Zone - X-ray and was the first major battle between US troops and the People's Army of Vietnam. It is notable for being the first large scale helicopter air assault and established the use of air mobility as a key element of US strategy. The battle was memorialized in the book, "We were Soldiers...Once and Young" by Lt Gen Hal Moore and Joe Galloway and later the movie, "We were Soldiers."In his final assignment, Buddy played a vital role in the reactivation of the 10th Mountain Division (Light) at Fort Drum, NY, in February, 1985, and he served as the division’s first Command Sergeant Major. Among his awards and decorations, Buddy earned Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal w/ V (3), Purple Heart (3), Meritorious Service Medal (3), Air Medal , Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Military Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Silver Star, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/ Numeral 5), Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachute Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Marksman Badge, and the Overseas Service Bars (4). Following his distinguished Army career, Buddy retired in August, 1989, and went to work for Baker Business in Florence. He retired a second time to spend free time at McLeod Fitness center and working in his beloved yard. Buddy is loved and will be missed dearly by his family and especially by his Army family. A memorial service with Military Honors is scheduled for January 15, 2022, at the Florence Veterans Park, an outdoor facility, with visitation from 11:00-12:00 and service from 12:00-2:00.The Veteran’s Park is located at 601 Woody Jones Blvd, Florence, SC. Skinner & Smith Funeral Home, 905 Erwin Rd, Dunn, NC 28334 910.892.2447