On Oct. 29, 2026, American Legion Post TH-02 (Pattaya, Thailand) Commander William J. Schmitt visited the Bangkok Protestant Cemetery to lay a floral tribute at the resting place of U.S. Civil War veteran George (Yod) Dupont. The commander was escorted by Ms. Wonwimon “Tuk” Chitmahawong, representing the foundation that preserves the cemetery.
Dupont holds the unique distinction of being the only native-born Siamese to serve in the American Civil War, as well as the only Civil War veteran interred in Thailand. Born in the Kingdom of Siam, he immigrated to the United States in 1859 and enlisted in Company B, 13th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry in 1862. He served through major campaigns - including Chancellorsville, Resaca and Kolb's Farm (where he was wounded in action) - before returning to Siam after the war to modernize the Royal Siamese Army as a drill master. Passing away on July 18, 1900, his dual service to both the U.S. and Siamese armed forces remains a rare honor in military history.
This restoration was made possible through the dedicated efforts of several key individuals:
• Michael T. Naya Jr. (social studies teacher/historian)
• Jerome Orton (Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW))
• Dennis Duffy (New York Graves Registration Officer, SUVCW)
• Kathleen "Kathy" Bower (national president, Woman's Relief Corps)
• U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (Illinois), a combat veteran, American Legion member and Bangkok native who provided vital support connecting the team directly to the Protestant Church Foundation/Christ Church Secretariat Office
• Chitmahawong, who verified burial records, arranged for overgrown roots and foliage to be cleared, built a custom concrete base and managed the headstone installation
On July 16, 2026, the new VA headstone was officially set in place. Following up this fall, Duffy invited Post TH-02 to conduct an official dedication. Schmitt’s visit marks the first step in planning a fitting ceremony to honor Dupont’s extraordinary legacy.
Article by Michael J Chitwood, adjutant, American Legion Post TH-02, Pattaya, Thailand
