ADVISORY: Hill to Present Four Vietnam Veterans with Silver Stars
On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at 8:00 AM CT at Trapnall Hall, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) will award Robert J. Monette of Madison, Alabama, John F. Deslouriers of Galveston, Texas, Leonard B. Shearer of Glendale, Arizona, and Robert A. Frank of Leavenworth, Kansas, each with Silver Stars for their actions in Vietnam.
On April 18, 1972, the four men flew their helicopter into enemy territory to rescue the crew of a downed C-130. They were surrounded by the North Vietnamese Army but still completed their mission. Tuesday will be the 45th anniversary of their heroic actions in Vietnam.
Their unit commander, Jack Shields of Maumelle, Arkansas, had worked on behalf of Monette, Deslouriers, Shearer, and Frank to have them awarded Silver Stars since 2005. Last year, Mr. Shields reached out to Hill, and the two were able to work with the Department of Defense to have the four men awarded the Silver Stars they deserved for their heroic combat rescue mission in April 1972. Expected to be in attendance are survivors from the C-130 crash that were rescued by Monette, Deslouriers, Shearer, and Frank.
The following event is open to the press:
Who: Robert J. Monette, John F. Deslouriers, Leonard B. Shearer, Robert A. Frank, and Congressman French Hill
What: Silver Star Ceremony
When: 8:00 AM CT, Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Where: Trapnall Hall, 423 E Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202