A long-awaited honor: Vietnam Veteran receives medals after decades

Representative Rob Bresnahan honored 80-year-old Walter James Roos, presenting him with four military medals. The recognition was acknowledged for the first time, decades after it was originally awarded.

It was a meaningful day for veteran Walter James Roos. A U.S. Air Force staff sergeant who also served in Thailand and Vietnam.

Congressman Bresnahan explained that securing these honors can be a lengthy process, requiring coordination between records, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and military branches.

Roos’ wife, Lynn Marie, helped lead the effort, making the long-awaited moment even more special for the both of them.

“I feel very, very honored. I really do. It's a very special thing to happen in my life. And, like I said, I appreciate my wife going all this effort,” said Walter James Roos.

“I went through his service files and his career files, retirement files. And sat up one night alone, doing a lot of work. It was very rewarding to see it happen for my husband because it truly is all about him today,” said Lynn Marie Roos.

Congressman Bresnahan said recognizing Roos is an honor in itself.

“These are the people that gave us the country that we all love, know and care about. He sacrificed his life, his family, his is everything to be able to give us the country that we all live in today and called the United States of America, the best country in the world. And getting to celebrate the second oldest command in the United States was which was a fun fact that we learned here today, is very special to be able to celebrate it with friends and family and the community, because at the end of the day, he served our country for a betterment for all of us,” said Bresnahan.

Mr. Roos received four medals: the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

He shared which one meant the most to him and expressed hope that others will be inspired to serve their country.

“The Vietnam Service Medal, that was truly a remarkable time in my life and in the country life. And I appreciate that metal very much. The difference between what's going on today and what happened back then is monumental, truly monumental. And it's a different world out there now. And I hope that young people will be inspired to consider the military as a career,” said Walter James Roos.

Roos also received the Air and Space Longevity Service Award ribbon.