Peters, Stabenow, Dingell Legislation to Award Medal of Honor to Ypsilanti Vietnam Veteran Included in Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), and U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today announced that legislation they introduced, which would allow Major Charles S. Kettles of Ypsilanti to be awarded the Medal of Honor, will move forward as part of the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill.

The legislation was introduced in November following a request from the Ypsilanti Rotary Veterans History Project to review Major Kettles’ actions during the Vietnam War. Upon review, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter determined that Major Kettles’ actions merited the nation’s highest military honor, but because the statute of limitations has passed, Congressional action is required. The legislation waives the time limitation and allows the President to make the final decision. It is expected to be considered in the House and Senate on Friday.

“Major Kettles went above and beyond the call of duty with his selfless and heroic actions that saved the lives of his fellow soldiers,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I’m pleased to work with Congresswoman Dingell and Senator Stabenow to recognize Major Kettles’ exemplary service and help ensure he is awarded the Medal of Honor he deserves.”

“Decades ago, Michigan’s own Major Kettles courageously went back into enemy territory to save the lives of 44 of his fellow servicemen,” said Senator Stabenow. “This legislation will help make sure Major Kettles is awarded the Medal of Honor without delay and will recognize the true selflessness and bravery of his actions in Vietnam.”

“Major Kettles is a true American hero, who courageously risked his life to ensure no soldier was left behind,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “His bravery, determination and unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemembers exemplify the highest values of the United States military, and it has been my honor to work with Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow to ensure his contributions to our country are properly honored.” 

On May 15, 1967, after an airborne infantry unit was ambushed in the Song Tra Cau riverbed in Vietnam by the North Vietnamese Army, Major Kettles led three flights into extremely hostile territory to deliver supplies, reinforcements, and evacuate the wounded and trapped. During the final flight, shortly after leaving the landing zone, Major Kettles was informed that eight soldiers remained on the ground. Without hesitating, he returned on his own, without regard for his own safety and with no other support, to rescue the remaining men. All totaled on that day, his actions saved the lives of 40 soldiers and 4 crew members from the 176th Aviation Company after their helicopter was destroyed. 

For his voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty, Major Kettles was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1968. In 2012, a local campaign was launched by William Vollano, a coordinator with the Veterans History Project, and Major Kettles’ family to upgrade his award to the Medal of Honor. A number of men from his company and the 101st Airborne Division sent letters validating his heroic actions, and last year former Congressman John D. Dingell sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense asking for reconsideration of the United States of America’s highest military honor. In reviewing the facts, Secretary Carter agreed that Major Kettles’ actions merited the Medal of Honor.

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