Girard to dedicate marker honoring Medal of Honor recipient today

The city of Girard will honor local Vietnam War veteran Kenneth David today with a sign dedication ceremony, recognizing actions that earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor earlier this year.

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

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

Specialist 4th Class, Kenneth Davis U.S. Army

David, a former radio-telephone operator with the 101st Airborne Division, was recognized for his extraordinary heroism on May 7, 1970, near Fire Support Base Maureen in Vietnam.

During a fierce enemy attack, then-Pfc. David repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, drawing attention away from wounded comrades and enabling their evacuation. His actions are credited with saving 13 lives, though seven members of his company perished in the engagement.

David was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery. Efforts to upgrade his award to the Medal of Honor spanned more than 25 years.