A memorable banquet, with a true American hero

I've been to a lot of dinners and banquets over the years. I don't remember them all, and only a few have left a lasting impression.

The Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet in January of this year that featured Steve and Lorri Zeller was outstanding. The parents of the three Zeller boys -- all three basketball standouts -- shared their story of raising their sons to be Christians first. They also emphasized academics before basketball.

There have been others, but nothing like Thursday night at the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner. It feature the normal Harvey Hannah Award winner, a short review of the Chamber's accomplishments this year, and a new feature, business of the year.

Jerry Vest of Indy Honor Flight explained his program of taking World War II veterans to Washington DC to visit the World War II Memorial. It's all free, and the veterans are treated like royalty.

That by itself was impressive.

Then U.S. Army veteran Sgt. Sammy L. Davis took the stage and a video started. It was the story about Davis' time in the Vietnam War, and how he earned his Congressional Medal of Honor.

His heroic efforts took place Nov. 18, 1967 west of Cai Lay in the Republic of Vietnam.

The citation he received reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Davis (then Pfc) distinguished himself during the early morning hours while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base. At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a machine gun and provided covering fire for his guncrew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece. The resultant blast hurled the guncrew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Ignoring repeated warnings to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he retuned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injuring him painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired three more shells into the enemy. Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue three wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the three wounded men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, Sgt. Davis protected the two remaining casualties until he could pull them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled. Sgt. Davis' extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army."

President Lyndon Johnson awarded Davis the honor, and he's met every president since. He also traveled with President Ronald Reagan.

Davis, originally from Mooresville, shared some of his responsibilities of being a Medal of Honor recipient. He also talked about writing his mother while in Vietnam.

Several in the room had tears in their eyes as he spoke. It was an emotional 45 minutes, and several took time to shake his hand after the event.

My wife Deb, and GCDW employees Christy Lehman, Heidi Puckett and Rick Curl all had their picture taken with him. We thanked him for his service.

He's a true American hero.