Grandpa's Medals - A Vietnam veteran tells his grandson about his medals

My dad explained the army medals he received during two tours of Vietnam and throughout his career in the US Army to my son in this video.
You can learn more about what my dad went through in the Vietnam War in an upcoming documentary called My Father's Brothers - www.myfathersbrothers.com
See the trailer here: • My Father's Brothers -...
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More about this video:
Grandpa's Medals is a video where my dad discusses his military medals he earned throughout his career. These include combat medals from his time in Vietnam. While these are all army medals, some were for aviation. He was in a lot of helicopters during the war, three of which crashed - one was shot down, one hit some trees and crashed, and one, as my dad would say, 'gave up the will to will and just dropped out of the sky.' I really appreciate my son wanting to know more about his grandpa's medals and what he went through. And fortunately, my dad made it through the war to talk about it.
Some of the units he was with in the army:
173rd Airborne
Sky Soldiers
1st Infantry
Big Red One
Fifth Special Forces Group
Green Berets
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Some of the medals and badges that are discussed:
Silver Star - the Army's third highest honor
Bronze Star with Valor Device
Distinguished Flying Cross
Legion of Merit
Purple Heart
Expert Infantryman Badge
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge (or Jump Wings)
Pathfinder
On June 29, 1966, my dad's company in the 173rd Airborne was attacked in the jungles of Vietnam. During the battle, one of his sergeants went above and beyond the call of duty and later received The Medal of Honor for his actions on that day. This is documented in the documentary film, My Father's Brothers, which can be seen here: www.myfathersbrothers.com/watch The film features eight heroes and what they went through then and continue to go through now because of it.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

The new Vietnam War documentary, My Father's Brothers, is now available on demand and DVD. It features Jack Kelley, who is featured in Grandpa's Medals. See where to watch here: www.myfathersbrothers.com/watch About the film: June 29, 1966 - A platoon of American soldiers stumbles upon a large enemy force in the dense jungles of Vietnam. Outnumbered 10-to-1, they face the darkest hours of their lives. The filmmaker interviews his father and other survivors about what happened on that fateful day and the effects it has had every day since.

[@KristinaAthena]

I watched it yesterday. Just OUTSTANDING!!! Posted the IMDb link in my vet group. Gut wrenching but outstanding. You are very blessed for the gift your dad has given you. Sadly, my father lost his soul in the Korean War and the man who came home and eventually became my father was a very cruel man. Tell your Dad, WELCOME HOME!!!

[@Shawn_Kelley]

@@KristinaAthena thank you so much! It was journey getting the documentary made, but worth it. It's so important to keep our veterans' stories alive.

[@siligacorporation396]

TKS FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@KristinaAthena]

@@siligacorporation396 I did not serve.

[@KristinaAthena]

@@Shawn_Kelley Absolutely.

[@Dezzasheep]

"Son... you grandpa was a hardcore badass"

[@bhpalmer]

Pay attention grandson.....those are not just "medals". That top row is impressive AF.

[@alexanderoh3962]

Grandpa flexin his stack

[@milky3777]

XD BRUH 💀

[@cameroncarter1696]

My grandfather had 24 medals

[@obamaprism3997]

Sheeeesh

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thanks for watching, cameron carter!

[@lungkoygallo7351]

Sheeeeeeeesh

[@spicytrash4981]

Looked at the case for three seconds: your grandad is a badass. Dad's a Vietnam vet too. Semper Fi. 🇺🇸

[@MrAndychabak69]

A silver star, legion of merit and SEVEN bronze stars. This man is a hero.

[@Jonathan-om1wq]

The Distinguished Flying Cross, tho

[@ivystorm]

@@Jonathan-om1wq What's your hang up on the distinguished flying cross?

[@scottmiguel5846]

Yes is really is a real hero thank you all who give your freedom God bless you and your families

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Genuine war hero...

[@mikevigil3677]

What these medals mean is your Grandpa was and still is a BADASS!!!!!!!

[@bentuck743]

Holy shit kid. Your grandpa is a certified badass. Thank you for you service!

[@jimpowell2296]

As a Vietnam vet myself, I must say this man went through quite a lot. His medals indicate his bravery on many occasions. His grandson will one day realize that his grandfather was indeed a hero.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

@jimpowell2296 welcome home sir.

[@davidrichter9164]

Thank you jimpowell. I have great respect and gratitude for those who went to war so that I wouldn't have to. I'm too young to remember anything about the Vietnam war but I've read many accounts about how badly viet vets were treated. Disgraceful. I for one appreciate all our veterans, no matter what war.

[@allansemenchuk6508]

As a Vietnam veteran I want all of the readers to know the bravery and sacrifice it took this man to earn these medals. This is an American hero of the highest order. I have a few of them, but not anywhere his number. When he passes, his grandson should get them to show his children what a great American is really like. He doesn't want any accolades, yet I stand and salute you, sir.

[@shadowstalker6762]

Thank you for your service and wisdom sir

[@1fromtheroad]

Welcome home to you

[@labla8940]

This man got around. He saw so many different aspects of service. I have little doubt this man was highly respected

[@jamielancaster01]

UPDATE: Jack passed away 11/17/2022 Jack Kelley was born in Orlando, Florida on July 8, 1937. A member of the Boy Scouts of America, he was awarded the Eagle Scout badge. He graduated from The Citadel in 1959 and was commissioned as a 2d Lt of Infantry in the US Army. In December 1979, he retired from the U.S. Army as Lt. Colonel after twenty years of service. He commanded parachute infantry units at platoon, company, and battalion levels where his last two assignments were as a Battalion Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division and finally, as Deputy Commander, 5th Special Forces (“Green Berets”). Jack was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for Valor with six Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with eleventh Award, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. He also was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Infantryman's Badge Senior Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Aircrew Badge. the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and both the Joint and Army Staff Identification Badges. He earned Master’s Degrees from American University and Central Michigan. He served as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and as an Adjunct Professor at both Webster University and Campbell University. Jack served as the Executive Director of Men’s Ministries of the Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), a position he held from 1985 to 2005 and was one of the founders of Men’s Ministries. In 2006, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries as well as the Commander Bill Linn Award from the Royal Ranger Ministry (IPHC) for shaping the lives of boys. He also served as the Vice President of Advancement/Director of Development for Holmes Bible College from April 2007 to December 31, 2008. He was a member of the President's Cabinet, Carolina College of Biblical Studies. He was recognized by the All-American Airborne Awards organization as well as the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association for Man of the Year. In June 2016 he was recognized by the Secretary of the Army as a Distinguished Member of the 503rd Infantry (Airborne) Regiment. Jack was a lifetime member of the Citadel Alumni Association. He authored Bonded in Battle a book on a battle that he was involved in as a company commander in Vietnam, and Here I Am, Send Me - The First Twenty Years of Men’s Ministry, a history of the beginning of Men’s Ministries on the IPHC. He was a member of the Bragg Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Jack was a member of the Northwood Temple Pentecostal Holiness church, where he served as an Associate Pastor. His wife, Lynn, of 61 years preceded him in death in April 2022. He is survived by his two sons, Jack Jr. (wife Elaine) and Shawn Kelley (wife Áine), three grandsons Dillon, Turner, Liam, and granddaughter Dr. Jessica Walsh O’Sullivan.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thanks Jamie. He also is in the documentary film, My Father's Brothers, where he and the survivors of the June 29, 1966 battle in the Vietnam jungle talk about what they went through that day and what they continued to go through in life because of it: www.myfathersbrothers.com/watch You can also hear him talk about the three helicopter crashes he was in here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX3LfmOHaKugrKcsi=bq7vO9G0LkHlTAR2 He was an amazing dad.

[@prithvipant9670]

Your grandpa’s a legend son. A hero. You’re lucky

[@noahholliday9761]

Basically son grandpa is one of the best our country ever had. He is the kind of man anyone would want to have when they are at war because he will do whatever it takes to help you make it home, his bravery and the example he set for others to witness and learn from are rare, and unteachable, and make him a very special kind of man. After serving our country, and his fellow soldiers with great distinction in one of the most dangerous, and difficult wars we have fought he was trusted enough that our nation's leaders gave him the immense responsibility of carrying the "football" that we needed to use to ensure our way of life set forward by our countries forefathers would be preserved if our enemies wanted to destroy us. Nobody can expect you to fill such big shoes, and you don't have to be awarded any medals to keep our love, but knowing that you are made from the same stuff as your grandpa should give you a great sense of honor, and pride, helping you to make the right decisions throughout life. Knowing that every American owes a debt of gratitude to your grandpa and many others like him, and can enjoy their apple pie, and fireworks on Independence Day has made me a proud son, and given me all of the confidence I need to know we can do anything we set our minds to when we believe in ourselves and our brothers who stand beside us. Always keep his examples in your heart and mind, and do what you know is right in all that you do, and you will never have to look back with regret. Your grandpa isn't bragging when he shows you these medals, he is telling you that having something to be proud of about yourself is more important than all of the money in the world, and that he loves you, and knows you will understand and continue making him, and your family proud. Now, let's me, you, and grandpa go play some catch until Grandma and mom are finished dinner.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thank you, Noah. Very well said. And I will share this with my son!

[@noahholliday9761]

@@Shawn_Kelley your video gave me inspiration, and helped remind me how important these things are to share with my own children. Thank you!

[@lex1945]

well said!

[@EzraB123]

That soldier is fucking STACKED. Rah Sir. Respect from a Corpsman in 1st Marine Division.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thank you for your service!

[@EzraB123]

@@Shawn_Kelley thanks man

[@RogueCylon]

I hope his grandson remembers much of his stories. It’s a special thing to know your dad or granddad was a hero,

[@marksellers4875]

Step aside for this gentleman. Much respect Sir

[@dsbmwhacker]

My Dad was a WW2 Veteran. He only received one medal...the "Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters". His hand was injured by enemy Flak on one bombing mission. I know he was eligible for numerous other Medals but he never pursued them...or really cared. A very humble patriot.

[@navvet4518]

You can apply for a well deserved and warranted Purple Heart.

[@todydn]

My pops passed two years back his x wife took and hid all his medal from nam he was a recon marine id kill to have had this talk with him or even one medal to show his grandaughter respect honor and cherish this time young man you cannot replace it when you grandad speaks he is speaking with the weight of history one day youll get it i never did when inwas young but onenday when your grown and have kids this will all make sooo much more sense and mean a ton more too

[@Iburnyourface]

Woooow...I can’t even fathom this mans awards...7 bronze stars is beyond belief.

[@tobingallawa3322]

Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Flying Cross 7(seven) Bronze Stars and all the rest, glad he is around to tell the tale. Thank you sir

[@bloodyknucks8264]

Long story short, kid...your grandpa is a certified badass!!

[@ronkreed]

The grandson might not fully grasp the full magnitude of his grandfather's stellar military service at this age, but he will as he gets older. And, he has the video to reflect on. He will someday most likely inherit his grandpa's medal collection.

[@stevedundee866]

Grandpa was a BADASS !! Thank you for your service Sir 🙏

[@rprdm5811]

Kid to his friends: "You might be cool and all, but you'll never be a badass as my grandpa"... This man is a fucking LEGEND, respect!

[@armybeef68]

Even Chuck Norris salutes as he walks by.

[@petergould8080]

He served with me in the 173rd airborne brigade in Ben Hoa RSVN in 1968. A few meters away.

[@harrywalker1621]

Thank you for your service from Canada

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Hi Peter Gould, sorry for the very late reply. I'll mention this to my dad. BTW, I will be posting a few more videos I made with him soon.

[@armybeef68]

My ex was born in Ben Hoa, she was a Marine just like dad.

[@CSMGaryJCoker]

I did 33 years active duty with 7 combat tours. I wish my family was as interested as this young man is.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Wow, that's a lot of tours! Welcome home, sir!

[@el_aleman]

Same.. 30+ year SOF veteran with 3 years of OEF tours with the divorce and injuries to prove it. My kids, now SJW’s, could give a shit since they think dad’s profession caused family split, etc., etc, (crazy killer war spouse divorce claims are excellent divorce reasons)…and the shameful escape from AFG is just icing on the cake to make it all worth it….I came out of it the bad guy like so many other vets…like being a Confederate or German Wehrmacht soldier after WWII…many fought honorbly and sacrificed….but they're still the bad guys

[@MrKedab]

listen to how humble but also how proud he is - this man is a living legend.

[@spiff1003]

That is one hell of a line up of medals, and who would've thought that about this good hearted grandpa educating his grandson. This is beautiful and I think the kiddo will forever think his grandpa is a hero. Even if it is a modest and humble presentation. Good work!

[@Shawn_Kelley]

@spiff1003, yes, his grandson will never forget that!

[@deanlapkin5119]

Son your father is a gentleman and a real badass.

[@sdot5389]

That’s just my 7 bronze stars, Billy.

[@Evod1501]

OUT standing, thank you for your service sir.

[@timmcleod6771]

One Retired Veteran to another…Thank You for Your Service 🇺🇸

[@Shawn_Kelley]

@timmcleod6771 and thank you for your service!

[@bigdawgangel6627]

Your dad is a fucking badass thank you for his service and GOD BLESS HIM

[@Igneoused]

Great video! I remember when my grandfather showed me his medals from World War Two. Its a privilege to have these heroes in our lives.

[@jamesadams3458]

My Cousin got The MOH After he Died on The Yorktown in The Battle of The Corral Sea , He Was Badly Wounded But Refused to Leave His Duty Station Till he Dropped Dead , His Name Was Melton Ricketts .

[@navvet4518]

It was an honor to give 9M and 40S of my life to listen to you explain your medals to your grandson. I personally have never heard of an individual with 7 Bronze Stars. I am humbled by your service to the greatest Country on this earth. From a US Navy Vet, Bravo Zulu sir!

[@pavlovshouse77]

Bet grandpa was one badass dude in his day. Be proud young man. The CIB is the one that counts the most.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

He was very proud of the CIB!

[@calexpocop]

Grandpa was a "bad ass" !

[@robertguest5215]

that young fella.will grow up very proud of his grand father..........

[@Shawn_Kelley]

He's very proud!

[@justincase2291]

Little guy doesn't understand, but when he gets older Grandpa is going to be bigger than life!

[@Mariachikids00004]

You can tell that he’s a good man. You just hear it in his voice.

[@jetdr]

Poor kid is like damn! Wtf do I need to do to get some respect in this family!!

[@Fenril76]

I can’t believe people are doubting this person. Flying in the Vietnam war was no picnic in the park, I would guess most of you wouldn’t know that. For this person to serve on the joint Chiefs of Staff, the don’t just take anyone or some shit birds. Take the time to learn what those medals mean. Actually surprised he lived through all that combat. Remember this: Freedom isn’t free, lots of people died in war so you can sit on your ass and criticize people. Semper Fi (1975-1980).

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Semper Fi, Marine!

[@irishbull44]

When I saw his shadow box I was more than impressed. Flex all you want Warrior! You were the heroes that trained my generation. So glad to have had that opportunity. Thank you.

[@kevind3185]

My Grandpa fought for General George Patton U.S. Third Army 94th Infantry Division WWll. He was Awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He wouldn't talk about his Service and sadly the story is lost to time. He passed in the Spring of 2013.

[@danieldowning4583]

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. Teaching the next generation. May the Lord hold you all in the palm of His hand.

[@mikeheffernan4723]

Son, your grandpa was a legend! Nuff said!

[@blah80blah]

Wow you just never know what youtube decides to show you, I enjoyed grandpa and grandson sharing this with all of us and respect LTC Kelley and his brave service. What a career! Thank you!

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thanks so much!

[@jimbuck795]

Thank you for your service, LTC Kelley.

[@eskimo05w]

That young man is lucky to have a grandfather like Jack Kelly.

[@samtanka1]

Grandpa has done it all. Mad respect for this hero. His grandson will look back at this video and if he does join the service will realize how much blood sweat and tears went into each one of those badges and medals.

[@murrygandy6546]

That little boy is so lucky to have this man as his grandfather. What a life of service he demonstrates. Every little boy should have a grandfather like this to look up to. BZ colonel!

[@owenmccallum6076]

A big blow of a grandfather to look up too😂😂😂😂

[@thejfsand]

This man was stacking bodies decades before I was born.

[@fyrfyter81]

From one Veteran (Desert Storm) to another, thank you Sir and welcome home.

[@scottwhitcher265]

Thank you for your service and for passing on the spirit of service.

[@trevorhatfield5826]

Grandpa is bona fide bad ass. Thank you. Semper fi, from a former Marine.

[@frankwilliams5479]

Grandpa's a badass. Your son is a lucky fellow.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Yes, my dad went through a lot. Fortunately, he's still here to talk about it. And I agree, my son is lucky to have a granddad like him! Thanks for watching!

[@carltaylor8370]

It's wonderful that a grandfather could teach his grandson. Children should know their history and the young boy's grandfather taught him the right way. There's nothing like being taught by your elders and what they teach is priceless.

[@WLeonardAthas]

Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifices! May God bless you and your family!

[@alexvangen6671]

My name is Alex Vangen and my grandfather retired in the United States Army in 1960 as a full colonel. He was awarded a Purple Heart with cluster, Battle of the bulge campaign,silver star with cluster, bronze star with cluster, P.O.W medal, Japan occupation medal, UN medal, Korean War medal, a medal for working in the pentagon, CIB or combat infantry badge, 76th infantry division company E 385th regiment. Worked for FEMA from eishenhowers administration through Gerald Ford. He personally knew JFK,Nixon, Johnson and ford . Also was offered a post of for guarding tomb of the unknown soldier but declined. Rest In Peace

[@MorganBrown]

I’ll sum it up: grandpa was a badass! 😂 Thanks for your service, Col. Kelley. Great video.

[@mattd6931]

7 Bronze stars, a DFC and a Silver Star. Jesus, I'm not American, but I still want to render you a salute through the monitor sir, you are a hero.

[@superdizzle]

Wow, Grandpa is a legitimate Hero.. Basically he has every medal besides the top 2 you know the one you usually have to die for.. pretty impressive. thanks for your service

[@4325air]

Holy cow! Jack Kelley! He was an Army ROTC Instructor and one of my Tactical Officers when I was a cadet at The Citadel waaaaaay back in 1966-1970. A true patriot, an inspiring leader, and a Christian gentleman. We were indeed blessed to learn leadership lessons from him.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thanks @4325air for the kind words! Yes, my dad took a Tac Officer position after his first tour of Vietnam. He loved the Citadel and working with cadets.

[@4325air]

Shawn, your dad was a Man in every sense of the word, and he left a legacy not only in family, but in the hundreds of men who carry in themselves a little bit of him. Hundreds of living memorials! Ironically, in 1984 as a major, I joined 1-505th Parachute Infantry as the S-3, only to discover that Jack had commanded the battalion some years earlier. Would loved to have served under him. In your video I noticed the 1-505 wall hanging in the background!

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thanks for saying that. He was an inspiration to many. Including me. And that’s right, he was the battalion commander first of the 505 in the late 70s. I saw him jump at Fort Bragg and I said to him later when all soldiers came up to the stands where friends and family were watching and waiting, “dad, I think I know which one you were, you were the last one to jump out of the plane.” And he laughed and said, “no son, this is airborne. Officers go first. I was the first one out of the plane.”

[@scottmiguel5846]

Amen God bless you and your grandson

[@geob0324]

Grandpa was one tough cookie back in the day.

[@ECGran]

Thanks for sharing. Humbled. Your Grandpa is an American hero. Thank you for your service.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thank you!

[@rickrowell8465]

Thank you for your service Jack. My Father served one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam in the Marine Corp. He retired an E9 after 33 years. He is gone now, but not forgotten.

[@hunterbruyere5052]

William Rowell Master Guns or Sergeant Major?

[@darcskies777]

That guy is a whole badass

[@robertking7269]

Thank you for your service, sir. To the country and to your grandson.

[@turnuptheradio6057]

Grandpa is a hero and welcome home brother.God bless.

[@marceloclemente7419]

Hello from Brazil, congratulations sir, you are a real hero. I am 2nd Lieutenant retired, I served for 30 years the military police in my country. I have my medals too and they were conquered with blood and sweat. 🇺🇸🇧🇷

[@joenguyen9483]

Highly decorated man. So many awards and seven bronze stars? To be awarded a bronze star exceptional, for him to have seven? OMG.

[@juggleyourballsoff]

Thanks for the service, but thanks for teaching your little men. Hope he never has to, but I have a feeling he will be a boss with the help of his Grandpa.

[@one.shot.marksman2154]

Young fella your grandpa is a true hero. Thank you for your service to our country Colonel. 👍🏻

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thank you @Svenska 77 for watching the video. I will pass on you comment to my dad!

[@chrisfisher5960]

In 30 years time, this lad will say" I wish I would have paid more attention to grandad when he showed me his medals.."

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Lol. He will!

[@EtzEchad]

Wow. Your dad is truly a hero. It's an honor to hear him talk about his service.

[@shinobi-no-bueno]

Just from the thumbnail: certified badass

[@jamesupton143]

Son, your grand dad was and is a badass.

[@ericgill5574]

Grandpa is a bad ass

[@bennettemerson]

Many thanks for your service! Because of men like you, I and my family could sleep safe. Thank you again!

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@thomasairhart8856]

You the man, grandpa, thanks for your service.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thanks Thomas Airhart. I'll pass your comment on to my dad.

[@AdmiralYeti8042]

Grandpa stacked bodies like it was going out of style.

[@johnathonmullis4234]

Use to love to watch the old veterans at the local veterans hospital argue about which war was the real war and who had it worse.

[@ZenonM1183]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words......well this frame I don’t think you can quantify the number of words. This was one true American, bass-ass hero.

[@rsbolin]

God Bless You, LTC Kelley. There are eight men in my family. Of those eight: 1 was an Officer in the Navy, served on the USS New Jersey in Viet Nam, awarded the Silver Star by Admiral McCain on the deck of the USS New Jersey. 1 was a Marine Officer, 1 was an Sergeant in the Air Force. 1 was Army Enlisted and later Officer, and a sister that Army Spec-4. The country needs to know about the great people that have signed up to "Serve, Protect, and Defend" and will give a life to see that commitment through to the end.

[@johnmacdougall3053]

A great video of a humble American hero sharing his military service with his grandson. Just wait until that young grandson really gets what his grandpa told him about all those medals. Better yet, when the grandson goes back and watches this video, maybe with his daughter or son and says, “ your great-grandfather was a hero. These are the medals awarded to him for valor in combat.”

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Yes, it will be something he can always have about is granddad.

[@pilotlodge4160]

You can tell that this dude has seen stuff. Thanks for your service.

[@Irishboy3434]

Grandpas a Goddamn Badass

[@bruceharper5532]

Grandpa was a badass!!!

[@arygon9764]

Man, your Grandpa is a badass.

[@kawasaki900guy]

Great story! Makes me wish my grand dad had of done that with me. He fought at Vimy Ridge in WW1. He was only 16 when he went and was wounded twice. After the first wound, he got patched up and sent back in. But his second wound was so bad that he got gangrene in it and had to have part of his inner thigh carved out. After that, they sent him home. He wanted to fight in WW2 but they told him he was too old. So he served as a German POW prison camp guard. People like my grand dad, and Mr. Kelley are real heroes!

[@tommyjames5030]

All respect to this man! I'm a vet that comes from a family of vets! I'm glad your grandson shows an interest in what you have earned.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thank you for your service!

[@jackclodfelter1347]

Dang, this man kicked some ass in those 20 years

[@MoDave82]

The military don't just give them metals out for just anything or to just anyone the military knows who the heros are. My uncle was one of those heros who gave all he was awarded the purple heart and the presidential unit citation award in 1944 he was in the 29th army infantry division involved in the Normandy invasion but sadly his metals were presented to grandpa and grandma. He was drafted when he was 20 years old and had been in the army less then a year and was shot while fighting in the hedgerows in late July 1944 and he suffered for a week before dying in a hospital in France. I never got the chance to met this hero but I will someday and knowing this only makes me more content with my own passing so I can shake his hand and tell him how proud I am to be his nephew

[@MoDave82]

I know we are not the only family to lose a loved one in that horrible war but anytime these brave and courageous men's story's can be told honoring this generation of heros is a blessing and while we enjoy are freedom and liberty please remember it was because of these brave men we are free

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thank you MoDavid. My dad recently passed, but a few years ago I was able to produce a documentary about what he and a company of paratroopers went through during one specific battle in Vietnam. It was an incredible experience and it brought me and my dad closer together. You can find out about it here: www.myfathersbrothers.com/

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thank you for your time in uniform of our country, especially being in the Vietnam war. I Salute you.

[@Shelldrake489]

Outstanding service Sir,God bless you.

[@josefhyatt2780]

Yeah kid, your Grandpa is a certified badass! Thank you for your service brother.

[@chucklucas8747]

Combat infantry badge enough said

[@terryv]

@@chucklucas8747- Combat Infantryman Badge

[@victorfebo2672]

Man, this is not my grandpa but, I am so proud of this grandpa! Thank you for your service, sir! I wish you a very long and healthy life along with your friend and family!

[@crivyeller9845]

Being in the service and understanding the amount of work and dedication required for these ribbons/medals/badges brings a whole new level of admiration I have for this man. He is the standard many should aim for.

[@bakerthree6r]

Dude had like a fuckin 8 rack. I was lucky enough to deploy at 18 years old to Afghanistan but this guy shits on anything I’ve done. True American hero.

[@Shawn_Kelley]

Thank you for your service!