WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly five decades after helping rescue dozens of American soldiers pinned down by enemy fire, a Vietnam War veteran is receiving the nation’s highest military honor for valor.
President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to retired Lt. Col. Charles Kettles of Michigan during a ceremony Monday at the White House.
Kettles led helicopter flights carrying reinforcements to U.S. soldiers and evacuated the wounded after they were ambushed in combat operations near Duc Pho.
Kettles repeatedly returned to a landing zone under heavy fire. He is credited with helping to save 40 soldiers and four members of his unit. He received the Distinguished Service Cross, but the Pentagon determined his actions also merited the Medal of Honor.
Congress passed legislation waiving a time limitation for the award.
