Medal of Honor Recipient Kenneth J. David

1/6/2025

Vietnam Veteran, Kenneth J. David, Receives Medal of Honor for Extraordinary Heroism

In a historic White House ceremony on January 3, 2025, President Joe Biden presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to Kenneth J. David, recognizing his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. Accompanying him to the ceremony was Herm Breuer, the past president of the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) and prior Director of the Trumbull County, Ohio Veterans Service Commission. The ceremony marked the culmination of a journey spanning more than five decades since David's acts of valor during the war.

On May 7, 1970, in Vietnam's Thua Thien Province, David, then a radio-telephone operator with Company D, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, demonstrated exceptional courage when his unit came under intense enemy attack. After their platoon leader was mortally wounded in the initial assault, David handed his radio to his platoon sergeant and moved to the defensive perimeter, engaging the enemy with devastating effectiveness. Realizing the grave danger to his wounded comrades, he repeatedly left the safety of the perimeter to draw enemy fire away from the injured soldiers, allowing for their evacuation. Even after being wounded by an exploding satchel charge and running low on ammunition, David refused to withdraw, continuing to fight and toss hand grenades at the attackers.

Through his actions that day, David saved the lives of seven fellow soldiers. His unwavering courage under fire exemplifies the highest traditions of military service and the values of the United States Army.

Behind this long-overdue recognition stands a story of unwavering dedication that exemplifies the mission of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs). Herm Breuer, who served as President of NACVSO from 2018 to 2021, spent 17 years meticulously preparing and advocating for David's Medal of Honor recommendation packet, maintaining regular correspondence with congressional officials and their staff, to ensure this veteran received the recognition he deserved. His persistence showcases the profound impact that CVSOs can have on the lives of veterans beyond the VA claim process. Through zealous advocacy, David’s story of courage and valor were finally recognized with our nation’s highest honor.

NACVSO congratulates Kenneth David on receiving this most prestigious honor and commends Herm Breuer for his exemplary service and dedication to ensuring our veterans receive every recognition they have earned through their service and sacrifice.