CRANSTON, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hosted a special medal ceremony in honor of Vietnam veteran Robert Walter Edmands, 69, of Chepachet.  Reed presented the U.S. Army veteran with the prestigious Purple Heart medal and other military honors he earned but never received following his courageous Vietnam War service.

Mr. Edmands served in the Army as a Specialist, E-4 with the 9th Infantry Division from August 1966 to July 1968.  He earned a Purple Heart Medal after being wounded in battle as a result of hostile enemy actions during the Vietnam War.  In addition to the Purple Heart, Senator Reed also presented Mr. Edmands with the Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars and the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar.

“It is my honor to celebrate the courageous service and sacrifice rendered by Mr. Edmands and offer a small token of our enduring gratitude.  It is important that we continue to recognize what our veterans have done for this country, and on behalf of the people of Rhode Island, I offer Mr. Edmands our sincere thanks and admiration,” said Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The attention to orders for the ceremony state: “Mr. Edmands' service was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States of America.”

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