Cleveland VA Honors Ohio Native, Medal of Honor Recipient During Vietnam War Veteran Day Commemoration

National Vietnam War Day marks the date the last U.S. combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. This year's ceremony commemorates the 50th anniversary and marks the final year of this official commemoration, which continues through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025. VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System Associate Director for Patient Care Services and Navy Veteran Garrett Schreier offered remarks on behalf of the Medical Center.

"For too long our Vietnam Veterans did not receive the recognition that they deserved," said Schreier. "Whether you were on the front lines, in support roles, or stationed far from the battlefield, your contributions were immeasurable."

Schreier underscored the VA's pledge to ensure all Veterans receive the recognition, care, and support they deserve.

"Too many returned home to face being turned away to a nation not fully understanding the total war, but today we stand united to say, we see you, we honor you, and we are proud of you," said Schreier. " We gather to say thank you and reaffirm our commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare and support services tailored to the unique needs of Vietnam Veterans."

The highlight of the commemoration was a heartfelt address by then-Pfc. Class Kenneth J. David, a native of Girard, Ohio. He received the nation's highest military honor for his courageous service on May 7, 1970. That day, he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to draw attention away from his wounded comrades, ensuring their safe evacuation. Despite being wounded and running low on ammunition, he continued to fight and provided cover until reinforcements arrived.

"I serve with the values of my family in the Army," said David. "I saw a connection between values at home and at the unit. These values carried me though the toughest values of my life."

David thanked his parents for instilling strong principles and his veteran service officer's tireless efforts in securing his Medal of Honor recommendation. In an emotional moment, David paid tribute to his fallen comrades.

"Today and every day for the rest of my life, I want to be known for honoring and helping Veterans, said David. Most of all I give thanks to my foxhole buddies and honor the memory of the seven buddies that gave their all on May 7, 1970, with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. We knew how we walked, talked, the way we breathed, our heartbeat, and any one of the 18 of us would do anything to protect his fellow soldier." 

After his remarks, participants and guests assembled at the medical center's Military Wall of Honor, where David's name and service were unveiled on a placard alongside those of other Ohio Medal of Honor recipients.

"We're just so proud to be able to honor you, serve you and to have you permanently here on our walls," said Schreier.  "Each time we walk by here, it will leave an endearing mark."

The addition of David's name is a lasting tribute to his bravery and sacrifice, ensuring his legacy will be remembered by all who visit the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.

The recorded ceremony is available online.

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If you have media questions regarding this release, please contact Damien Horvath, VA public affairs officer, at 216-339-5240, or by email at Damien.Horvath@va.gov, or contact Sarah Amato, VA deputy public affairs officer, at 216-618-3998, or by email at Sarah.Amato@va.gov. 

ABOUT VA NORTHEAST OHIO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM: Focusing on treating the whole Veteran through health promotion and disease prevention, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System provides comprehensive, seamless health care and social services for nearly 140,000 Veterans across Northeast Ohio. With 17 locations of care, including 12 outpatient clinics, two community resource and referral centers, a psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery center, a chronic dialysis center, and an outpatient surgery center, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System's quality services are easily accessible to Veterans in 21 counties. VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System also contributes to the future of medicine through education, training, and research programs.

For more information about programs and services offered by VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, visit www.cleveland.va.gov or follow us on Facebook @ClevelandVAMC.