Sgt. Ronald Smith, a lifelong resident of Summerville, Ga.., was honored at the House of Representatives in New Hampshire for his actions in the Vietnam War.
His granddaughter, Sarah Wester, said, "Rep. Frank McCarthy of New Hampshire felt the need to honor my grandfather and several other Marines of his company (Lt. Jerry Flick and Cpl. Lorne Lemieux) for actions that happened 50 years ago in January (1967) during the Vietnam war.
"Sgt. Smith was part of a nine-man patrol who were part of an ambush by 40 or more Vietcong. Rep. McCarthy believes that these men deserved a medal for their valor and unfortunately they were never recognized for their bravery. As a result Rep. McCarthy proposed a "unanimous consent" be read in front of the House that would commemorate what these men did and how their actions turned the tides against the ambush.
"Due to the unanimous consent, Rep. McCarthy was able to read an account of what happened 50 years ago and that was forever recorded into the books in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
"I was astonished by the reading of the actions of my grandfather. He often tells us stories of all he went through and endured during his time in Vietnam and it is even more impressive to hear it from another. I could write much more about the events that were retold, however I am going to attach a link to both the newspaper article that was written and the live stream feed of Rep. McCarthy's speech.
"It takes incredible bravery to do what our military men and women do for our country and it is always phenomenal when one of your own is recognized for going above and beyond to save the lives of others."