A Real Hero


I would say that Dad did his part, and valiantly. He was awarded a Bronze Star, a Navy Commendation Medal with Bronze V, a Presidential Unit Citation for the unit’s service during the hectic Tet Offensive (which was the cause of Dad’s quick exit from his second tour in country), and three Purple Hearts. Dad doesn’t think so, but I think he was a hero, and those who served with him, too.

As I write this on Independence Day, 2001 (just a coincidence, I assure you), I think about the hardships that my father and the other men who served in Vietnam went through, the real sacrifices they made, and then I consider how they were treated when they returned home, and I get angry. Yes, I know most of that occurred before I was born, but that doesn’t matter to me. It should not have been that way. I am heartened, though, by the fact that Vietnam veterans are now receiving the popular recognition that should have been theirs 30 years ago.

I think it’s coming much too late, but from the current generation of sailors to the previous, and from me to my father, thank you.

And, Dad, I love you.

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The copyright of the article A Real Hero in U.S. Navy is owned by Andrew Willis. Permission to republish A Real Hero in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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