Girard to Honor Medal of Honor recipient Kenneth David

Girard plans to honor local Vietnam War veteran Kenneth David with a sign dedication on June 30 after he received the Congressional Medal of Honor earlier this year.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Bruster's Ice Cream parking lot at 1300 N. State Street, across from the Girard Union Cemetery. A sign recognizing David's valor will be erected on Pittsburg Avenue in the city.

Mayor Mark Zuppo announced the city's plan to formally recognize David, who was awarded the nation's highest military honor by President Joe Biden at the White House on Jan. 3, 2025.

A former radio-telephone operator with the 101st Airborne Division, David distinguished himself on May 7, 1970, near Fire Support Base Maureen in Vietnam. During an intense enemy attack, Then a private first class, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to draw attention away from wounded comrades and allow for their evacuation. His actions are credited with saving 13 lives that day, though seven members of his company died.

David initially received the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism. Efforts to upgrade his award to the Medal of Honor have been ongoing for more than 25 years.