The ashes of a heroic Vietnam War veteran were found in the trunk of a car

The ashes of a St. Johnsbury Trade School graduate and ‘heroic’ Vietnam War veteran were found in the trunk of a car slated for a scrapyard crusher in Pittsford. Allan G. Moch was a 1964 graduate of the trade school who was lauded for putting his mechanic skills to good use, and he was a veteran of the U.S. Army who was honored for “unselfishness and exceptional valor” in Vietnam, but it appears his death in 2017 was dealt with unceremoniously. A year ago, one of the owners of GHR Metal Recycling took one last look inside a vehicle in the yard before demolishing it and found a wooden box marked “Allan G. Moch” and “Claremont Crematorium” beneath a folded American flag. Other documents, including his death certificate and ID cards, were discovered in the vehicle. It was learned that Moch had been living in Bellows Falls and was an auto repairman. He died at age 87 on Sept. 25, 2017. The challenge has been the lack of a family member to step forward. Vermont’s Office of Veteran Affairs (VA) determined that Moch had an ex-wife and two children but the listed phone numbers had been disconnected. Friends are hoping something can be worked out to honor their fellow veteran and Trade School alumnus with a proper burial.