Vietnam vet receives Silver Star

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — A Silver Star has been presented to a veteran nearly 50 years after his actions help saved nine lives in the Vietnam War.

WBIR-TV (http://on.wbir.com/YBjgY2) reports former Army Sgt. Larry F. Freeman of Pulaski, Virginia, received the honor Sunday during a ceremony held at the River Terrace Resort and Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is the nation’s third highest military decoration for valor.

Freeman said Lt. Peter Schnizer, his platoon leader, nominated him in 1966 for the award, but it was never formally submitted due to an administrative oversight.

The award stems from actions Freeman took on July 19, 1966, when his platoon started the day with 33 soldiers and ended with only nine.

Lt. Col. Howard Lavy said that Freeman was wounded, but still helped save the lives of those who survived.

___

Information from: WBIR-TV, http://www.wbir.com/

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up