Black Vietnam vet at last getting his due: Medal of Honor

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Black Vietnam vet at last getting his due: Medal of Honor
By Darlene Superville
Mar 3, 09:22 AM
Retired Army Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat, is set to receive the Medal of Honor for his service in the Vietnam War at the White House on March 3, 2023. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 60 years after he was first recommended for the nation’s highest award for bravery during the Vietnam War, retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat, will receive the prestigious Medal of Honor on Friday.

The overdue recognition for the 83-year-old Virginia resident comes after his recommendation for the medal was lost, resubmitted — and then lost again.

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Michael Noll Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Cpl Vic Burk SGT (Join to see)] Sgt (Join to see) SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM PV2 Larry Sellnow SPC Gary C. SPC (Join to see) Amn Dale Preisach SGT Ruben Lozada 1SG Paul Ayotte CPT Richard Trione SFC Ralph E Kelley 1SG Patrick Burke PV2 Scott Mollette SGT Gerald “Jerry” Harrell PO2 Marco Monsalve Lt Col Charlie Brown