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[ABOVE] For one formerly homeless Ohio Veteran, life’s ups begin to outweigh the downs

Army Veteran receives Medal of Honor for heroic actions in Vietnam

“This seems like a hell of a fuss over something that happened 50 years ago,” Army Veteran Charles Kettles told the president before today’s White House event.

That “fuss” he’s referring to is being awarded of the Medal of Honor.

Army Veteran finds the escape she needs

There was banging at her barracks door in Korea. Angie Batica had just recently returned from “The E-Club” and she was not expecting any visitors. An Army sergeant busted through the door. She fought with him. He ripped her clothes off, hit her, and made his way on top of her.

“The next thing I knew he was on top of me raping me really hard,” Batica said.

Former stowaway and WWII Vet decorated by France

Manuel Mercedes came to the United States in a somewhat unusual way. Having served in the Spanish navy, he saw what Nazi Germany was doing to his country and wanted none of that, so in 1943 he stowed away on a ship bound for New York.

Seventy-three years later, the former stowaway received the highest award the country of France can bestow on an individual – the Legion of Honor. He joined nine other area World War II Veterans who received the medal during a ceremony in Pinellas Park July 14, France’s Bastille Day.

VETERAN OF THE WEEK

This week we honor Charles Kettles.

Charles was 21-years-old when he was drafted to the Army. He earned his commission as an armor officer in 1953 and graduated from Army Aviation School shortly after. He went on to serve tours in Korea, Japan and Thailand.

Nominate a special Veteran as #VeteranOfTheDay

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to us with as much information as you can put together. Click on the picture to the left for an overview of how to put together a great #VeteranOfTheDay package.