SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) – A Maine man who earned the Silver Star after he was injured during the Vietnam War 40 years ago finally has his medal.
James Gibbons of Cape Elizabeth was a sergeant in the Army when the tank he was in came under heavy fire in 1970. He was badly wounded, but still manned his machine gun to ward off the attack and helped take his wounded men to safety.
Gibbons was awarded the Purple Heart and was supposed to receive his Silver Star during the war, but he became ill shortly before the ceremony.
His sister, who died two weeks ago, pushed for the military to give him his medal.
It was presented Monday by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
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