News : Midthun receives Quilt of Valor

Teresa Bednar-Schadle presenting the program for the Quilts of Valor

Midthun shares his photos and stories about his service with guests at the presentation

A map of the area where Midthum served

Midthun is wrapped in his Quilt of Valor

Roger Midthun with his family at his Quilt of Valor presentation at the Garrison Library

Roger's Awards and hat

This special stitch was created especially for the Quilts of Valor program

The Quilt of Valor program is one of those programs that I always look forward to attending. This week, I had the opportunity to meet a new circle of Qult of Valor presenters in the area, out of Garrison. The group met to honor Roger Midthun. Teresa Bednar-Schadle was responsible for creating the quilt, getting the paperwork to the Quilt of Valor program and also presenting the quilt. 

On January 6, 1969, Midthun entered the military, where he served until August 15, 1971. He completed his Basic and Secondary Training at Fort Polk, LA, and tank school at Fort Knox, KY. By July of 1969, Roger was shipped to Vietnam for his first tour of duty with the 101st Airborne in the northern region of South Vietnam. Roger also extended for a 2nd tour in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry in the southern region of Vietnam where he served with distinction until August 1971.

During his time in Vietnam, Roger was awarded the following commendations & awards with the rank of Sergent (Sec E5).

* The National Defense Service Medal for demonstrating exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity during his years of service to the United States Military

* Vietnam Service Medal Ribbon & three Bronze Campaign Stars

* Expert Badge with Rifle Bar for participating in the defense of our country and the cause of freedom during the Vietnam War

* Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal of Valor distinguished by heroic acts of meritorious service and achievements.

The Vietnam War was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975 lasting for approximately 20 years and is the longest war in U.S. History. Over 58,000 Americans died in Vietnam and more than 150,000 were wounded. At least 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the official Vietnam era from August 5,1964 to until May 7,1975 with only 240 men awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. But those who served in Vietnam are not forgotten.

In August of 2009 Stars and Stripes publishes a series of articles focusing on the Vietnam war. Through the articles and veteran stories, the hell these brave men and women endure during active duty became more obvious.

Midthun brought along some of the photos from his time in service, along with his awards to share with the group that had gathered. Scroll through the images above.

He was nominated to receive a Quilt of Valor by Bill and Dorothy Readnour. Midthun's daughter Christie Remley.  granddaughter Ava Remley and niece Jenni Readnour (Zehnder) helped to present the quilt and wrap him in it. 

To find out more about the Quilts of Valor program, click HERE.