FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
After 43 years, an Army veteran has received the Soldier's Medal for his heroic actions March 24, 1968, on the northeast side of the Nha Trang Airfield in the Republic of Vietnam, when he responded to a burning refugee village.
Col. Thomas R. Wetherington, 733rd Mission Support Group and Army Support Activity commander, presented retired Lt. Col Harold T. Campbell, 14th Transportation Battalion, with the prestigious medal Monday at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum on Fort Eustis.
Campbell and two other officers ran into the camp to lead residents to safety and entered huts while they blazed, locating trapped people by their screams. One highlight Campbell recalls is carrying an elderly woman while simultaneously leading several small children from one of the many occupied buildings that were alight. While fatalities were unknown, he and another Army officer, along with many of the Vietnamese camp refugees suffered multiple burns but managed to survive the horrific event.
Campbell and other officers were originally recommended for the Soldier's Medal, but somehow ended up with the Army Commendation Medal with Valor Clasp. It wasn't until recently he appealed the initial action to the Army Review Board and as a result his medal was upgraded to the Soldier's Medal; which is the highest honor for a Soldier for actions that did not take place in a combat situation.
"This awarding of the Soldier's Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Campbell is a very long time coming. Although that delay might get our attention, it's not a surprise that he would be once more recognized for his courage," said Wetherington.
Campbell was considered a well-decorated Soldier and hero, as his life and character revealed repeated acts of bravery.
"I'm overwhelmed by this and honored by the presence of those that have come out to support me," said Campbell. "Forty-three years is a while. I never expected this to happen. I was happy enough with what I had, but this medal was made possible a long time ago with the support and effort of a lot of people."
Campbell retired from active-duty service in Hawaii in 1981. After years of working for the state of Hawaii, he returned to Virginia in 2004 and currently resides in Williamsburg.