Vietnam and World War II veterans celebrated at VA Medical Center ceremony

Lawrence Jordan comes to the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center every six months.

“They’ve helped me out over the years a lot,” Jordan said. “I’m still kicking anyway on this side of the dirt.”

The U.S. Army veteran became a permanent fixture of the center when he, along with William C. Larue and Famous Lee Lane, was added to the Wall of Valor during a ceremony Friday morning.

“That’s a great honor,” said Jordan, who was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism in Vietnam.

Donna Larue-Smith knew her father William was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on Iwo Jima in World War II but, she said, he didn’t talk very much about it.

“I knew some of those things by reading accounts,” Larue-Smith said. “He talked about being in foxholes and helping people but he wouldn’t talk a lot.”

William Larue’s picture and story will join the Wall of Valor, which is currently undergoing a renovation in the lobby of the medical center. The center was running out of room to honor those who served with distinction.

Soon, a large video board will show the honorees one by one. The framed photos were presented to Jordan and Larue-Smith on Friday.

“I’ll put it with his medals and keep it forever,” Larue-Smith said.

Larry Kimbrow accepted the photo of Lane on behalf of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Lane posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on April 20, 1966, in the Bihn Thuan Province, South Vietnam.

“We’re just proud,” Kimbrow said. “We’re going to hang this prominently in our meeting place.

“It’s going to be quite an emotional thing for me to present it to our members. I hate they couldn’t all be here but I was able to accept it.”

Kimbrow said tracking down Lane’s family has been difficult. Lane’s name and story only recently came to the group’s attention after researching all the Butler County servicemen that died in Vietnam.

“Very, very honored to accept that on behalf of the family and our chapter,” Kimbrow said.

There are now 95 veterans honored on the Wall of Valor.

Each year, during National Salute to Veteran Patients week in February, the VA Medical Center adds to it. The ceremony was delayed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our Wall of Valor is a unique way that we — as a community — can show our gratitude to local veterans who have served with extraordinary distinction. A way that we can hold them up for others to express gratitude whenever they visit our facilities,” said Chandra Miller, interim medical center director.

Larue-Smith came from Mississippi for the ceremony and was joined by a large group of family members that live in the area.

William Larue was from Steele, Missouri, and a medic in the Navy. On March 13, 1945, his platoon “engaged in a severe hand grenade fight with enemy forces during the night,” his plaque read.

“Although wounded severely by an enemy grenade thrown into the foxhole where he was treating a seriously wounded man, he continued to administer medical aid to his comrades despite heavy fire …”

Larue stayed with the wounded men until daylight when they were able to evacuate.

“By his bold initiative and cool courage, he saved the lives of many wounded comrades, and his unselfish devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,” his plaque read.

Larue died in 1991.

“This day means a lot for me,” Larue-Smith said.

Lane died on April 20, 1966, serving as an M60 machine gunner. He was part of a reconnaissance patrol that encountered a large enemy force.

“When the patrol set up an ambush…,” Lane’s plaque read, “Lane positioned his M60 machine gun on a small slope that offered no protection…”

Lane’s actions forced the enemy to retreat.

“Out of ammunition, PFC Lane had begun reloading his M60 machine gun onto his position and he sustained mortal wounds,” the plaque read. “Lane’s heroism and devotion to duty that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army’s second-highest award for valor.”

Jordan was awarded the Bronze Star with V Device for his actions on May 5, 1968.

His company was attacked when Jordan’s platoon sergeant was mortally wounded.

“He hesitantly took charge of the platoon and maneuvered his men into a better defensive position,” the plaque read. “He was firing a machine gun when his vehicle (took) a rocket hit, blowing Sergeant Jordan out of the vehicle. …

“Exposing himself to intense hostile fire, Sergeant Jordan moved about the battlefield picking up his wounded comrades and evacuating them.”

Jordan, from Gideon, Missouri, said the people he served with became lifetime friends.

“We’re losing so many of them every year,” Jordan said. “Fewer and fewer of us show up (at reunions). That’s the sad part about lifetime friends.”

Friday’s ceremony honored three men who “demonstrated outstanding valor in protecting our freedoms,” said Miller.

“They stood up when the time came, acted without regard for their personal safety, showed great leadership and bravery, and exemplified what it means to be an American,” Miller added.

“Their actions have inspired us, prompted deep gratitude from us, and certainly earned our everlasting respect. Their stories will be shared for generations, and we will look to them as the example of the utmost patriotism.”