Vietnam vet to receive long-delayed Medal of Honor
MELBOURNE, Fla. — Melvin Morris, a highly decorated retired Army sergeant first class, will receive another recognition Tuesday — the Medal of Honor.
Morris, 72, is among 24 — only three of whom are living — who will receive the highest honor of bravery from President Barack Obama during a special ceremony at the White House. The veterans being recognized served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
STORY: Obama to award Medals of Honor to overlooked veterans
The mass awarding of medals has its roots back in 2002 when Congress ordered a review of the war records of Jewish and Hispanic veterans to see whether any might have been passed over for the Medal of Honor because of anti-Semitism or racism. The review was later expanded to include African-Americans.
Slim choices
Career choices were slim for black men in Oklahoma in the 1950s. Morris, born and raised in the farming town of Okmulgee, figured he could work in the fields, maybe in carpentry.
Or join the military.
Morris signed up with the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1959. Shortly after, he asked to join the active duty Army.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/17/vietnam-vet-to-receive-long-delayed-medal-of-honor/6535693/
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Obama apologized to Melvin that racism stopped him from getting the medal 44 years ago. Melvin dropped to his knees.
9:55 PM - 17 Mar 2014
http://theobamadiary.com/