A local man was presented with multiple military medals this week, receiving formal recognition for his service as a US Army soldier in the Vietnam War.

Joe Farrell of Hawleyville was among those receiving military awards at August 29 ceremonies held by US Representative Elizabeth Esty at Waterbury City Hall. Sixteen veterans were honored at the event, including those who served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Posthumous honors were given to the family of one World War II veteran.

Mr Farrell, who is retired from a career in computing, serves as a volunteer with Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He also is a member of Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company, having served as its fire chief for about ten years overall, during two stints as its leader. He has been a fire company member since the late 1970s and an ambulance corps member since the mid-1990s.

Mr Farrell was in the US Army from 1968 to 1970, serving in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) from May 1969 to May 1970. In that unit, he participated in helicopter-based assaults on enemy positions. Mr Farrell, who was drafted into military service, progressed from the rank of private to sergeant.

At the ceremony Wednesday evening, Mr Farrell received medals including two Bronze Stars for heroic/meritorious service in combat, one of which was awarded for valor.

Also, he received a Sharpshooter's Badge for Machine Gun/Rifle, a Combat Infantryman's Badge, an Air Medal for 1st Cavalry Division (airmobile assaults), the US Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

"It was a very impressive ceremony," Mr Farrell said, noting that about 100 people attended the session. The emotional event engendered "a sense of pride," he added.

Mr Farrell noted that the late 1960s was a different era.

When soldiers return from combat today, they are honored, he said. However, that was not the case during the divisive Vietnam War, which was a widely unpopular and controversial conflict, he noted.

Of his time as a combat soldier, Mr Farrell said, "I had a job to do, and I did it to the best of my ability." He said he takes pride in having served in the military. The medals he received at the ceremony will be displayed, he said.

After he learned that an award known as the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal exists, he sought to obtain that medal by contacting Rep Esty's office. Mr Farrell said he met Rep Esty in the aftermath of 12/14.

 Sherri Vogt, who is a specialist in veterans affairs for the congresswoman, aided Mr Farrell in obtaining that medal and copies of the various other medals that he had previously received while in the military.

Mr Farrell participates in activities sponsored by US Department of Veterans Affairs' Danbury Vet Center.

Esty Comments

In a statement, Rep Esty commented on Mr Farrell receiving the military medals.

"Joseph is one of the bravest and most decorated veterans I've had the honor of meeting," she said, noting that it is the first time that she has presented a Bronze Star for valor.

"Joseph's service in Vietnam should have earned him the guarantee of accessible health care and a stable income for the rest of his life. Sadly, as is the case for many veterans who put their lives on the line for this nation, the government didn't live up to its end of the deal," she said.

"Joseph talked a great deal about the difficulties he's encountered in getting the care he needs from the [Veterans Administration] and the challenges he's had to face as a result. His story of courageous sacrifice at war, followed by personal hardship at home, is a powerful reminder of why caring for our nation's military families must be a top priority for anyone who calls themselves a public servant," she said.

"It's not about partisanship or politics ... it's about our moral responsibility to care for the heroes who threw themselves into harm's way on our behalf," Rep Esty said.