Profiles of Valor: CPT Hugh Nelson (USA) and PFC Kenneth David (USA)

As I have noted before regarding long delays between service rendered and recognized, these recipients are, first and foremost, humble warriors. Inherent in their willingness to “lay down one’s life for his friends” is the ultimate expression of humility, valuing the lives of others above one’s own. Thus, it is not in their nature to advocate for their personal recognition. The advocacy to upgrade a warrior’s prior decoration to a Medal of Honor falls to others — mostly those with whom the recipient served.

Over the last century, many Medals of Honor have been approved and awarded for actions that occurred decades earlier, most often posthumously. The verification process for valorous actions that may merit a Medal of Honor is very strenuous, making that process more difficult with the passage of time.

The first of the most recent Vietnam War recipients is Captain Hugh R. Nelson Jr., who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions while serving with the 114th Aviation Company (Airmobile Light) on June 5, 1966.
The second of the recent Vietnam War recipients is then-Private First Class Kenneth David, who received the Medal of Honor in person for acts of gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.