Vietnam veteran from Monroe County awarded Purple Heart

MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — It's an honor long overdue for Private First Class Thomas Barnes of Reeders.

At just 19 years old, Barnes was drafted into the Army. He served in Vietnam as an Army Ranger with the 101st Airborne Division.

“I got shot in 1970,” Barnes said. “So it has been a while.”

Last year, Barnes stopped by the Monroe County Veterans Affairs Office for a disability claim. That's when Deputy Director Eric Morin noticed records were missing.

“He didn't have his Purple Heart or his ARCOM on his discharge,” Morin said. “I just went over it with him, and I was like, ‘We need to get this fixed.’”

With the help of Congressman Rob Bresnahan's office, the Purple Heart is now in Barnes' hands, along with several other overdue awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

“The medals we present today are more than decorations. They are lasting symbols of discipline, dedication and unwavering commitment to our nation,” Bresnahan said.

“I feel vindicated,” Barnes said. “The recognition was awarded to me. That was well overdue.”

Barnes said his family pushed him to keep fighting for his awards, just like he fought for this country. His wife, Adrienne, said the whole family is grateful to see his service come full circle.

...