Florida Veterans Awarded Presidential Unit Citation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today commended a group of Florida veterans for being awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. The award is only presented to units displaying, ‘such gallantry, determination, and espirit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign.’

“To receive this rare and prestigious award is a distinct honor, and even more so a unit of this size,” Martinez said. “Although long overdue, this group of heroes is finally getting the important recognition they deserve for their actions in South Vietnam. I am proud of their efforts and thank them for the sacrifices they made to protect our nation.”

Recipients are Mr. William D. Parker of Perry, Mr. Ronald R. Vaughan of Pensacola, Mr. Johnny H. Lee of Pensacola, Mr. Freddie Lair of Orlando, Mr. Angel E. Pagan of Orlando, Mr. Joseph C. Hughes of Delray Beach, Mr. William E. Keller of Bushnell, Mr. James H. Rose, Jr. of Lakeland, Mr. William L. Espenschied of Davenport, Mr. Richard D. Wykle of Lake Wales, Mr. Donald P. Grayson of Bradenton, Mr. Edward J. Tinney of Spring Hill, Mr. Kenneth D. Sisto of Port Richey, Mr. Edward H. Black of Palm Harbor, and Mr. Sammy A. Miller of Port Saint Lucie. All were members of military unit Alpha Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment which served in the Republic of South Vietnam.

In 1970, in the Republic of South Vietnam, Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment distinguished itself through a series of combat missions over a period of several months. After a five-year review, the Department of Defense recommended this small unit for the Citation.

Since its inception in 1941, the Citation has been awarded fewer than 100 times to include the Second World War, the Korean War, the Cold War, the war in Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan.