Vietnam Vet Honored After Nearly 40 Years of Waiting
By: Import User
Updated: January 8, 2008
Ray Ribich signed up for the Army in 1968, and spent more than 14 months serving in Vietnam. Nearly 40 years later, Ribich is finally getting the recognition he deserves for his military service.
Ribich says he spent years trying to get the government to give him the proper paperwork to document wounds he received in a 12 hour fire fight while in Vietnam, but couldnt get anyone to help.
"They always tried to just keep putting everything off," said Ribich. "They didnt have to pay for it, didnt have to worry about it, just told em a few times, hey, we didnt have the stuff for you, and thats it."
Ribich wasnt looking for glory or notoriety. But 40 years after signing up for the Army, he was growing tired of the government denying his attempts to get medical help. He says government agencies continued to turn him down because he did not have documents proving he was hurt in the line of duty, and when he requested those documents, the best he ever received were copies.
Ray Ribich finally contacted Indiana 8th District Congressman Brad Ellsworths office to ask for help. After working with staff members, he was able to get his paperwork, and the accompanying medals, which include 2 bronze stars for valor, a purple heart, and a combat medal. Family members and friends made the trip to Evansville for the presentation.
