SHAHEEN PRESENTS KEENE VIETNAM VETERAN WITH MEDALS FOR SERVICE

(Keene, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today presented Vietnam veteran Ron Callahan of Keene with medals for his military service at City Hall in Keene.  Callahan was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (with four Bronze Stars), the Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross with Palm and Frame), and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action Color with Palm and Frame).  Callahan contacted Shaheen’s office to seek assistance in obtaining the medals after learning his unit received additional awards after he was discharged.

“I’m honored to present Ron Callahan with these medals for his courageous service as a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War,” Shaheen said.  “It’s been nearly 40 years since Ron served in Vietnam, but today he receives the full recognition he has earned and deserves.  On behalf of all the people of New Hampshire and the nation, I want to thank Ron for his heroic service.”

Callahan served in the Navy from 1964 to 1968.  From 1967 to 1968, he was stationed in Vietnam at a camp along the South China Sea between the Demilitarized Zone and Da Nang during the Tet Offensive.  Callahan was a member of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 58, which helped deliver supplies to military camps and provided medical treatment to Vietnamese villagers.