Photo: Sgt. John Chichester(center), is flanked by Veterans Affairs Commissioner Loree Sutton and Councilman Eric Ulrich shortly after he was awarded the Bronze Star at the American Legion Post 632 last Thursday night. Forum photo by Patricia L. Adams.
It took a long time. In fact, it took 16,900 days. A loaf of bread was .22, a gallon of milk was $1.03 and you could get a new car for $2,425—that’s how long ago it was. It was 47 years to be exact, but in the end, on Thursday night, March 12, 2015, a standing room only crowd packed the American Legion Post 632, to pay tribute to a hero who was made many years before.
Ozone Park resident, Sgt. John Chichester, 19, was on a reconnaissance mission with his Army Company in Vietnam on December 3, 1968 when they found themselves under siege by the enemy. Six of his fellow soldiers were wounded in the heavy fire. Fortunately, Sgt. Chichester was not shot.
But instead of seeking protective cover for himself, he went and picked up each of the fallen soldiers and carried them to where a helicopter would pick them up and transport them to safety. But as he made his last trip to the area, the chopper was hit by enemy fire and Sgt. Chichester had to repeat the maneuver and carry his comrades to safety once again.
When the war was over, he was awarded the Bronze Star with a Valor Device (“V Device), to denote acts of valor. But before his medal was ever physically presented to him, the Army lost his paperwork and subsequently denied him his medal.
Once again, he found himself on the battlefield, but this time he wasn’t fighting against North Vietnamese troops. This time his battle was on home shores, and it was being fought against the United States Army. Although there was no gunfire exchanged, Chichester says it was a grueling and often very frustrating journey.
But last Thursday, everything was different. After enlisting the help of Councilman Eric Ulrich’s office back in December and with a last blast of diligence and supporting documentation, the proud veteran finally won his appeal and the Army agreed to award him the Bronze Star, complete with “V” Device.
“Tonight we pay tribute to John D. Chichester’s selfless sacrifice defending our nation during the Vietnam War,” Ulrich said. “This award recognizes his heroism and exemplary service to our country and it is only a small token of appreciation for all that he has done on our behalf.”
And for family, friends and fellow veterans present one thing was absolutely clear: any bitter memory of the struggle to get to this night was completely erased as Sgt. John Chichester, 66, watched his 11-year-old grandson Jonathan pin the Bronze Star to his chest.
When asked how he was feeling about his grandfathers accomplishments Jonathan Vurno said, “My grandpa is the best grandpa ever. He’s a real hero and I am so proud of him.”
And after somewhat of an extended, shy pause, Jonathan finished his thought, “tonight is the best because he really deserves it. And thank you so much for coming, it’s really nice that you are going to write about this, everyone should know about it.”
While it may have taken the United States Army 47 years to recognize valor, it seems abundantly clear that a certain 11-year-old has no problem identifying a hero when he sees one.
By Patricia L. Adams pat@theforumnewsgroup.com
