Vietnam veteran gets Bronze Star

Vietnam veteran gets Bronze Star
After 40 years, veteran honored for heroism

BY STANLEY DUNLAP
SDUNLAP@JACKSONSUN.COM
• May 26, 2010
Until recently Lori Smith's father didn't go in-depth whenever talking about his time in the military.

In April—40 years after saving his company commander from a hand grenade—Brownsville resident Danny Presley received a Bronze Star for his efforts in the Vietnam War.

"We knew he was a hero but getting to see and hear the things he did in the Army is neat," Smith said Tuesday.

Last fall, Presley began scouring the Internet after reading a Vietnam veteran's magazine when he found his name listed under decorated soldiers.

That led Presley to find out he had been awarded the Bronze Star as well as other medals, citations and badges for his service in the U.S. Army. Since 1969 the only medal Presley realized he had was a Purple Heart that came after being injured by a grenade around a month after saving his commander's life.

While in a hospital Presley's captain told him about nominating him for the award but soon after Presley forgot while recovering from his injuries.

"I never thought anything about it until I saw this," he said pointing to papers from the website.

The Bronze Star citation notes that on Aug. 28, 1969 Presley spotted three enemy soldiers who were hiding and was able to warn his company commander and comrades.
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Vietnam veteran gets Bronze Star