A Minford Rt. 1 soldier, stationed in Vietnam since January 16, has been killed while serving with the 1st infantry division.

    Pfc. David Joe Martin, 20, son of Mrs. Macel Smith Martin, first was reported missing in action.  The mother was notified by the Department of Defense during the weekend that her son, a 1965 graduate of Minford High School, had been killed.

    He was the third county resident killed in the Vietnam war.

    Martin was born in Lincoln county, West Virginia, in 1946, and the family moved to Scioto County in 1959. Before entering the service in 1966, Martin worked for one year in Columbus.

    Martin, who was home on leave during Christmas, served his basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and later was transferred to Ft. Polk, La.

    He attended Pleasant Grove Church and preceded death by his father, William C. Martin, who died in 1949.

    In addition to his mother, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Druezella Stapleton, three half-brothers and two half-sisters and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith of Oak Hill Rt. 3.

    The body is expected to return to Scioto County in the next 10 Days. Erwin Dodson funeral home will be taking care of the funeral arrangements.