National Medal of Honor Day

To celebrate Medal of Honor day, RallyPoint connected with me and asked me the following questions.

How do you feel as a veteran of WWII about getting Vaccinated?

To answer the question about vaccinations, I was one of the first in our area to receive the vaccine. I am a firm believer that everyone should receive the vaccine. It seems to me that that's the only way that we're all going to be able to completely overcome this virus. It is about people getting immune to it through the vaccination.

What’s the most difficult task you’ve undertaken as a Medal of Honor recipient?

I don't consider receiving the Medal of Honor or anything relating to it as a task. I am extremely honored to have been selected to receive the Medal of Honor. Probably the most difficult adjustment I had to make when I received the Medal of Honor is that I became a public figure that I was not prepared to be. It took quite some time for me to adjust to being a public figure and representing all of those who'd received the Medal of Honor and particularly those who never got to come home.

If you could give advice to currently serving and future service members, what would it be and why?

I have advocated for years that individuals who are capable and physically able to serve our country, after graduating high school, they should devote at least one year to serving either in the military or in some form of serving our government for the privilege of being an American and living in a free country. Those who are on active duty have a tremendous responsibility and the best thing they can do, of course, is to be the very best they can be as a true soldier, sailor, marine, coastguardsmen, airman or woman. If they'll give it all they’ve got, they will certainly benefit from that.

Has receiving the MOH given you a different perspective on life?

Receiving the Medal of Honor, which I had never heard of prior to my actually receiving it, had a complete change in my thinking and realizing my total responsibility as a recipient of the Medal of Honor and it placed upon me the desire to in some form continue to serve the American public in some way.

You’ve lived a life of service and have worked extremely hard for your country, what’s your key to success?

I believe that most of us have some desire within us to serve in some way, to serve others, our community or serve our country. I realized that I had to have a specific purpose and determination to be successful. I believe serving in ways that will benefit others is a key to success.

I hope all the past and future recipients have a great day, you deserve it!

*The photo is Harry Truman awarding me the Medal