Vietnam Veteran Waited 40 Years For Service Medals

Worcester Vietnam War veteran receives 6 service medals over 40 years later 
MassLive
By Lindsay Corcoran
March 13, 2015

According to his daughters, Raffa rarely speaks of the war. He preferred instead to talk about his service on the Worcester Fire Department, where he worked for 34 years until retiring in 2012.

Raffa received six medals for his service in Vietnam.

WORCESTER - Since returning from Vietnam in 1970, Frank Raffa never again put on his uniform. On Friday, he was pinned with the service medals he earned, but it took him over 40 years to receive.

"My family was supportive when I came back, but other people said things," Raffa recalled of his return from the divisive war. "So I just never put my uniform on."

U.S. Rep. James McGovern helped the 65-year-old Worcester veteran obtain six medals he earned for his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and two expert badges.

"He's an incredible man who not only served our country over there, but also served our city here," said McGovern, noting Raffa's service on the Worcester Fire Department.
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