JAC Detroit, MI Reserve Center Honors Vet With Purple Heart 40 Years Late

  • Published
  • By Peter G. Park, Commander's Action Group
  • JIOCEUR Analytic Center
ROYAL AIR FORCE MOLESWORTH & ROYAL AIR FORCE ALCONBURY, England --  JAC Joint Reserve Intelligence Support Element - Detroit member U.S. Army Reserve Capt. David A. Kerr took the initiative to ensure that his neighbor, a wounded Vietnam War veteran received the recognition that he deserved in a military ceremony last month.

According to an article in the Pontiac, MI Oakland Press, "U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran Richard Kelts earned a Purple Heart in 1970, but didn't receive it until recently."  The award arrived unceremoniously in the mail. "Kelt's wife and daughters petitioned the Army for his medal, and in March 2008, the permanent order was issued, awarding him his Purple Heart" noted Sharon Longman who writes for the Oakland Press.

"Kelts served in the U.S. Army Armored Corps for seven months in Vietnam when his M113 APC armored personnel carrier hit a mine, severely wounding him with life-threatening injuries.   He was evacuated to Japan and later to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., for treatment. Kelts suffered a skull and jaw fracture, as well as a severe brain concussion and neurological complications. He was unconscious for weeks and suffered some memory loss. He was medically retired from the Army in July of 1971." 

"Capt. Kerr took Kelt's daughter's desire to something special to honor her father, talked with the Director of Joint Operations for his unit, Col. Fred Schwarz, and organized a surprise ceremony to present the Purple Heart medal and certificate to Kelts on July 25th.

"Rick has always been a proud veteran," Capt. Kerr said. "Proud of his service and supportive of mine. I thought we need to do better for this soldier. My concept was to have his family join our unit at our Unit Family Day picnic, where we would formally present him with his Purple Heart and welcome home an old warrior.  The presentation was a surprise.  When they walked into the building, a group of people was standing there with a flag, and men in uniform were standing in formation for him. He was overwhelmed, and proud. "

Daughter Tammy Kelts said "Thanks to Capt. Kerr, it became an event more special than my family imagined," she said. "When my dad was escorted in, he had a smile on his face and he looked so happy. I was so proud to be able to see him get honored the way he deserves. He truly is the kindest and most loving man, husband and father. He means the world to me. He is a hero." 

On learning of Capt Kerr's initiative, the JIOCEUR Commander, Marine Corps Colonel Pete Devlin asked Schwarz  to present a JAC Commander's coin to Capt Kerr for ensuring that this honored American veteran was properly recognized.

(Thanks to Oakland Press Online Editor, Mr. Stephen Frye and his staff for permission to republish portions of the article "Veteran waits nearly 40 years for Purple Heart," by Ms. Sharon Longman which appeared in the Pontiac MI Oakland Press August 9th)