A Yorktown man observed Memorial Day by remembering the life of his brother, a petty officer, who was killed in the line of duty back in 1968.

William Duffy shared the story with News 12 of his older brother, Petty Officer Keith Duffy.

"So, the letter is dated October 22, 1968," William Duffy explained of what would be the last one written by Keith Duffy to his parents and his then 15-year-old brother.

"'Right now, I'd go, just go for having good old New York under my feet,'" William Duffy said, reading Keith Duffy's letter. But the 20-year-old was killed in action by enemy explosives aboard the naval ship U.S.S. Westchester County just 10 days later.

Keith Duffy's letters now serve as a reminder of his sacrifice.

For his service and bravery, Duffy posthumously received the Purple Heart and other medals of honor.

The story of his life and death was published in the Yonkers Newspaper, then called the Herald Statesman.

But the letters he wrote to his family speak the loudest about his time in Vietnam.

Now 68 years old - the once younger brother, William Duffy, cherishes his brother's memory and the watch he was wearing at the moment he met his fate.