Published: November 05, 2009 11:33 am      

Vietnam War-era veterans to get special recognition

Washington, DC - Fourth-Congressional District Vietnam-era veterans will receive certificates of Special Recognition from Congressman Ander Crenshaw in a ceremony set for Nov. 9 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

“Vietnam veterans served our country with distinction during one of our most tumultuous times as a nation,” said Crenshaw. “They answered the call of duty, but when they returned home many did not receive the recognition they properly deserved. These brave individuals helped fight for freedom and democracy at a time when their country needed them, and this ceremony will help show our appreciation.”

In the past two years, Crenshaw has recognized nearly 500 Vietnam veterans eligible for either the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal. This year’s ceremony will recognize the contributions of all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marines, during the dates of the Vietnam War, March 1, 1961 - April 1975. Armed Forces members who qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal by service in Vietnam between July 1, 1958 and July 3, 1965 will also be recognized. Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Diplomatic Corps members serving in Southeast Asia during the periods above are also eligible for special recognition.