Bravo Company Veterans Honored with Bronze Medals After 56 Years

After more than five decades, 14 veterans from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, were awarded the Bronze Star Medals for their valor during the Vietnam War. The formal recognition took place on September 18, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska, marking a significant moment for these soldiers who fought in nearly constant battles throughout their deployment.

Bravo Company was engaged in intense combat operations across the jungles of Vietnam’s Central Highlands from early 1967. The unit participated in 94 separate firefights, enduring significant challenges during campaigns such as Operation Sam Houston and the 1968 Tet Offensive. According to an Army release, the unit’s persistent efforts disrupted enemy movements along vital supply routes.

During the ceremony, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John W. Weidner and Col. Robert Newbauer presented the medals, emphasizing the long-overdue recognition of the soldiers’ sacrifices. “These soldiers endured the worst of war,” Newbauer stated, highlighting their bravery and commitment to each other as exemplifying the highest ideals of military service.

Historic Recognition for Valor and Service

The 4th Infantry Division, known as the Ivy Division, was tasked with countering the North Vietnamese Army’s infiltration routes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The unit’s aggressive operations were crucial in maintaining pressure on enemy forces in a region that was rapidly becoming a hotspot for combat.

Lt. Gen. Stanley Larsen, who commanded I Field Forces during the conflict, warned against allowing enemy forces to establish strongholds, suggesting “spoiling operations” to keep them off balance. By 1969, Bravo Company had earned a Presidential Unit Citation, effectively denying the enemy freedom of movement in the area.

Despite their significant contributions, many soldiers from this unit went unrecognized for their bravery due to the military award practices of the time. Junior enlisted soldiers frequently received the Army Commendation Medal, while officers, even those who served alongside them, were often awarded the Bronze Star.

The Bronze Star Medal was established in World War II, advocated by General George C. Marshall. He emphasized the need for recognition of ground troops who faced extreme hardships during combat. President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the medal on February 4, 1944, reflecting the importance of maintaining morale among soldiers.

Acknowledging Heroism in Combat

At the September ceremony, five veterans were honored with the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device, recognizing their extraordinary heroism. Among them were 1st Lt. John E. Shaeffer, Sgt. Don J. Cantacessi, and Specialists Ronald Coleman, Roy F. Pline, and Stephen Wittenberg. Each citation detailed moments of courage, where these soldiers risked their lives to save comrades and provide leadership under fire.

The remaining nine veterans received Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service, which upgraded their earlier Army Commendation Medals. Notable among them were combat medic Spc. Clarence Kirshner and several others who exemplified leadership and resilience in the face of adversity.

These awards serve to recognize not only individual acts of heroism but also the collective efforts of squad leaders, riflemen, and fire team leaders who endured the rigors of combat. As General Marshall articulated, these soldiers led “miserable lives of extreme discomfort” while navigating some of the most challenging conditions of the Vietnam War.

The ceremony in Omaha not only celebrated the bravery of these veterans but also rectified a historical oversight, ensuring that their sacrifices are finally acknowledged and honored.