Representative Mannion Presents Military Medals and Honors to Highly Decorated Vietnam Veteran Joe Pounder of Liverpool

SYRACUSE, NY - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today presented military medals, unit awards, ribbons, and badges to Joe Pounder of Liverpool, a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran who served with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during the Vietnam War.

Pounder attained the rank of sergeant first class during more than a decade of service in the U.S. Army. His honors include two Bronze Star Medals, including one with a "V" device for heroism; two Purple Hearts; two Army Commendation Medals, including one with a "V" device; and the Air Medal.

Representative John W. Mannion said, "Sergeant Pounder rushed into enemy fire to save four wounded members of his patrol, coordinated their evacuation, and then led his men forward against the enemy. That is extraordinary heroism, and these medals and decorations honor more than a decade of devotion to our country. It's my privilege to help Joe receive what he earned, ensure his service will always be recognized, and give his family lasting symbols of what he did for our nation."

On October 25, 1969, Pounder was serving as a Special Forces adviser to a patrol operating from Camp Tra Bong when the unit was ambushed and four members of the patrol were wounded in the open under intense enemy fire. Pounder rushed forward and moved the wounded to cover, rallied the patrol, called for a medical evacuation, coordinated artillery and air support, and then led an assault that routed the enemy. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for his heroism.

The medals and military honors presented to Pounder include:

Medals

Unit Awards

Ribbon

Badges

Supporting veterans and their families is a priority for Representative Mannion, including helping constituents secure military records, replacement medals, and benefits they have earned. Any NY-22 resident who needs assistance obtaining military service records or replacing medals and decorations can contact Representative Mannion's office at (315) 233-4333 or visit mannion.house.gov.

PHOTO CAPTION: Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) presents U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Joe Pounder of Liverpool with the medals, unit awards, ribbons, and badges he earned during more than a decade of military service.

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