For Vietnam War veterans of Bravo Company, the wait is over.
While it took more than five decades, 14 veterans of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, were finally honored with Bronze Star Medals at an American Legion Post 1 ceremony on Sept. 18 in Omaha, Nebraska, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In an event filled with pride, recollection, and emotion, friends and family packed the hall to see their loved ones honored for valor and meritorious service. Presenting the medals was Army Maj. Gen. John W. Weidner, chief of staff, Strategic Command, and Col. Robert Newbauer, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.
Five veterans were presented with the Bronze Star Medal with Valor: 1st Lt. John E. Shaeffer, Sgt. Don J. Cantacessi, Spec. Ronald Coleman, Roy F. Pline, and Stephen Wittenberg. The medals honor soldiers that “rushed into fire to aid comrades, provided critical leadership under pressure, or exposed themselves to danger so others could survive.”
In addition, nine veterans received Bronze Star Medals honoring meritorious service, advancing the Army Commendation Medals they had already received. The citations reflect constant grind from combat leadership, honoring squad leaders, riflemen, and fire team leaders. Despite dire conditions, the squad leaders showed confidence in their tactical abilities and comradeship to their fellow soldiers, traits that pushed Bravo Company above some of the war’s biggest hurdles.
Receiving honor were Spc. Arturo G. Cuellar, Spc. Charles P. Emery, Sgt. George A. Jones, Sgt. Dale G. Liefer, Sgt. Thomas P. Saumur, Spc. Marvin S. Weis, Spc. Ronald A. Wulff, and Spc. Clarence Kirshner, a combat medic.
Company Endured Many Battles
In early 1967, Bravo Company was assigned to the central highlands of Vietnam. Setting up bases like Oasis and Camp Enari, the company patrolled the country’s northern and southern borders and completed interdiction missions to disrupt enemy distribution routes to the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Like many soldiers landing in Vietnam, Bravo Company barely had time to get acclimated to the foreign land’s thick jungles, stifling humidity, and constant bloodshed before engaging in its first mission, Operation Sam Houston. They experience heavy combat in the provinces of Kon Tum and Pleiku. Several campaigns followed, including the Tet Offensive in early 1968 and Operation Francis Marion.
Throughout two violent years, Bravo Company battled in 94 firefights, ambushes, or mine explosions. From a group of 110 soldiers, 31 were killed and 52 sustained injuries.
Known as the “Panthers,” by 1969, the company had conducted nine major operations, earning multiple citations. Decades later, the members of Bravo Company can look back proudly, knowing that, in their words, they “decisively denied the enemy freedom of movement along the western highlands border.”
“These soldiers endured the worst of war,” Newbauer said. “Their bravery and steadfast commitment to each other reflect the highest ideals of military service. It is an honor to stand with them as they receive long-overdue recognition.”
Indeed. For many years, surviving members of the company had to work behind the scenes to get properly recognized. Despite participating in the same missions, junior enlisted soldiers regularly received the Army Commendation Medal, instead of the Bronze Star, which usually went to officers. Working to correct that injustice, company members sent evidence, official documentation and testimony to build their case for proper citation.
The government finally responded accordingly, as the Army’s Human Resources Command approved the Bronze Star awards in March 2025. It was the Army’s turn to rewrite history. In a good way.
“The veterans of Bravo Company set the conditions for me and my generation to grow up and thrive in a world shaped by freedom and opportunity,” said Weidner. “You had a profound and positive influence on geopolitics for decades to come, shaping a more peaceful and prosperous world for all. On behalf of the United States Army and the nation you served with such distinction, it is my profound privilege to help recognize your courage, your unwavering commitment, and your enduring sacrifice.”
For Bravo Company soldiers, the event felt like a homecoming. A “welcome back,” and the “thank you” most of them didn’t receive when they came home from Vietnam. They smiled as they received recognition long overdue.
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