Veteran is honored with medal he earned 45 years ago

SIKESTON -- It took more than 45 years to right a wrong but even then, the Army still has some correcting to do.

Ivory L. Wright of Sikeston received his Vietnam War service medals in a special ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the Sikeston National Guard Armory. Presented by Larry D. Kay, executive director of the Missouri Veterans Commission, to Wright were the Bronze Star Medal with V device, Presidential Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-14), Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16) and Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Machine Gun Bar (M-60).

The Bronze Star Medal with V device was presented for Wright's actions on May 9, 1969. While on a reconnaissance mission with the 1st Infantry Division several soldiers Wright was with were wounded by enemy fire.

For the full story, see the Thursday, March 24, 2016, edition of the Standard Democrat.