Vietnam Veteran Finally Receives Silver Star Earned 48 Years Ago

Vietnam veteran receives Silver Star 48 years later
WBIR NBC News
Kendall Morris
September 29, 2014

(WBIR- Gatlinburg) A Vietnam War veteran received the Silver Star Sunday for his heroic actions in heavy combat 48 years ago.

Former Army Sgt. Larry F. Freeman of Pulaski, Virginia accepted the honor, the United States' third highest military decoration for valor, in front of family and friends at the River Terrace Resort and Convention Center in Gatlinburg. It's the place he and his fellow veterans have reunited for more than a decade.

"It's just a real honor for me to know Larry and help get this award for him after 48 years," Lt. Col. Howard Lavy, U.S. Army (Ret), said about his fellow member of the 1st Bn, 27th Infantry Regiment.

Freeman said Lt. Peter Schnizer, his platoon leader, first nominated him for the award in 1966. But the original recommendation for the Silver Star was never formally submitted due to an administrative oversight.

Schnizer found the award packet in 2005, Freeman said, and began pursuing the award on his behalf. And though Schnizer died in 2012, Lt. Col. Lavy continued to pursue the Silver Star for Freeman.

"It brings great closure not only to Larry, but to the other gentleman in our platoon that are surviving because we're finally able to see him recognized for what he did to help save not only us but other members of the platoon," Lavy said.
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