North Adams' veterans speak about fallen soldier - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Veteran Mike Chalifoux lowered the American Flag to half staff Friday at Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Park in North Adams, in honor of Mike DeMarsico.

He remembers the last time a soldier from North Adams was killed in combat, 1968. His name was Peter Foote, and like , he too was just 20-years-old.

"He was saving another gentleman's life, another infantrymen's life, and he was dragging him away from the fire and he took a round right to his head."

Two soldiers, born decades apart, have now merged because of two main attributes, natives of North Adams and patriots of the United States.

"Society misses this fellow, the same as mike  society will miss his life, his quality, everything about him."

In recognition of Peter Foote's heroism, his picture and medals are displayed in the the North Adams skating rink, which was recently named after Foote himself.

Chalifoux says no doubt a similar honor is awaiting Mike DeMarsico.

"It took us a long time to get Pete's up here but we got it up here and we all feel so badly for the DeMarsico family but at the same time we are so proud of him for giving their son to our country."