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Vietnam Veteran receives Purple Heart at Fort Carson
Rodolfo T. Lopez, a veteran of the Vietnam War, will receive the Purple Heart Decoration at the headquarters building on Fort Carson, March 28, 9 a.m. Lopez will be presented the award by MG Soriano, the Commanding General of Fort Carson and the 7th Infantry Division. Lopez was a member of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1 st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), when he served in the Republic of Vietnam from 1968-1969. As a result of an oversight, Lopez never received the award and is receiving it now under some unusual circumstances.
Photo by Mike Knapik, Fort Carson Reginal Training Support Center
As a member of the Colorado Springs Police Department Lopez befriended a follow Vietnam Veteran, Harry Bales. After hearing of Lopez's gallantry in action, Bales took the lead in bringing him the recognition deserved for heroism in combat. Now, 33 years after he earned the Purple Heart, Lopez is finally being awarded the prestigious award.
While serving in the Airmobile Cavalry Division, Lopez displayed gallantry in combat during Operation Pegasus in April of 1968. The operation entailed four days of fighting in which 1,259 enemy were killed in the successful capture of a North Vietnamese Special Forces camp at Lang Vei. Lopez is receiving the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained as a result of hostile actions during the battle.
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