2 soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor for Vietnam heroism

Two soldiers will be awarded the Medal of Honor for their battlefield bravery during the Vietnam War: Army Pfc. Kenneth J. David heroically defended a firebase in Vietnam against an overwhelming enemy force, and Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. heroically gave his life to save his helicopter crew.

For those actions, President Joe Biden will award both David and Nelson the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony that is scheduled for Friday. The Medals will be upgrades of Distinguished Service Crosses both previously received.

“We did our duty”
In the spring of 1970, David was sent to South Vietnam’s A Shau Valley along with 17 other soldiers from the 101st Airborne’s 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, he recalled during a recent media event. Only two other platoons were in the area.