Vietnam

This week’s America250 salute is Army Veteran Robert M. Patterson, who single-handedly defended his squad near La Chu in Vietnam.

Marine Corps Veteran Marco Polo Smigliani received a Purple Heart for his service during the Vietnam War. He was a crew member of SS Columbia Eagle, the first American ship to be hijacked in 150 years.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Coast Guard Veteran Merle Smith. Smith was the first Black cadet to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy and the first Black officer to command a U.S. warship in close quarters combat.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran James O. Schmidt. Schmidt served as a paratrooper and merchant mariner during World War II and a special forces operator during the Vietnam War.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Jeffrey Mellinger, one of the longest-serving draftees in the military.

March 29 is National Vietnam Veterans Day and Martinsburg VA is honored to share in the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration.

As Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches March 29, an era Medal of Honor recipient said Veterans should participate in events. Barney Barnum is a retired Marine Corps colonel who served two tours in Vietnam. He said Vietnam War Veterans Day is an opportunity for Vietnam Veterans to show pride in their service. He also said the day is a chance for the public to thank Vietnam Veterans.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Louis R. Rocco, a medic who received a Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.

During Women’s History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Rita Abeytia Brock-Perini, a nurse during the Vietnam War.

During Black History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Frederick D. Gregory, who served in Vietnam and as an astronaut.

During Black History Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Wesley A. Brown, the first African American graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Rob McSorley, a Ranger who was killed in action during the Vietnam War.