David Lee Battles of District 12 was born in Mixon, Okla., and attended school in Coalgate, graduating in 1966. Following graduation, he attended diesel mechanic school in Okmulgee. While there, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968.
He completed basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, as a heavy equipment operator.
He served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam, stationed north of Saigon. He earned the National Defense Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. His duties included conducting patrols, night patrols and minesweeping operations.
Upon returning to Coalgate in 1970, he worked alongside his father operating heavy equipment and undertaking various construction projects, including building roads, flood control dams, and other infrastructure. He worked for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation until retirement in 2010, at which time he dedicated himself to caring for his wife of more than 40 years, Sharon Kay. Together, they had two sons, James David and Joe Dale. Mrs. Battles passed away in 2012.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma holds our Veterans in the highest esteem and appreciates their sacrifices and contributions to preserve our freedoms and the way of life we hold dear.