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Jim Langevin
Aug 9, 2017 · 2 min read

Honoring our veterans is a crucial part of our national identity. As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am committed to ensuring that the bravery and sacrifices of our nation’s service members never go unrecognized.

So I was honored to have the opportunity to present Lieutenant Stephen McMahon with the service medals he earned while serving in the Vietnam War, including a Bronze Star. When Mr. McMahon’s wife, Linda, reached out to me about obtaining the medals her husband had never received, I was eager to assist with the process as much as possible. I am so pleased that, despite a gap of over three decades and a fire at the National Personnel Records Center that destroyed his military service records, my office was able to help facilitate the delivery of these well-deserved medals.

As a member of the last class to be drafted into the military, Lieutenant McMahon deployed to Vietnam in 1970 when he was 23 and served as an ammunition officer in the U.S. Army. He was discharged in August 1971 and went on to teach history in the Pawtucket School Department for 30 years. In addition to a Bronze Star, Lieutenant McMahon, a resident of North Scituate, was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, an Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, and a Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar.

I’ve been privileged to help several veterans retrieve their service medals, and it is a moving tribute to witness. I hope Lieutenant McMahon’s medals are a lifelong reminder that a grateful nation thanks him for his distinguished service.

Jim Langevin

Written by

Congressman for Rhode Island's Second District www.facebook.com/CongressmanJimLangevin

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