GRAY PRESENTS PURPLE HEART MEDAL TO VIETNAM WAR VETERAN AND PATTERSON NATIVE

On Monday, Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) presented Army Sergeant Alan J. Frunz with a Purple Heart, the nation's oldest U.S. military decoration awarded to those who are wounded or killed in action.

Frunz, a Patterson native, earned his Purple Heart in 1968 for wounds received during the Vietnam War as a member of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry. However, he did not receive the official documentation that he had earned it until 2025 - only then receiving a certificate, not the medal itself.

As a result, Frunz approached Congressman Gray's District Office staff at a Memorial Day Ceremony in Patterson, asking for help in obtaining his actual Purple Heart medal. Following direct outreach to the U.S. Army by the Congressman's team, Gray himself was able to present the medal at Frunz's home in Patterson.

"On behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Congress, in recognition of the sacrifice you have made and devotion you have shown, please accept this medal - late as it is - with our thanks," said Congressman Gray, as family members and friends gathered in the dining room of the Frunz's home.

"We are deeply appreciative of the time, attention and persistence you devoted to making this recognition possible," said a member of the Frunz family, to Gray. "Your efforts ensured that (Alan's) service and sacrifice were properly recognized, something that means more to our family than words can fully express."

While serving in Vietnam, his enormously outnumbered unit was asked to serve as a blocking force at the Perfume River in Hue City in the face of thousands of oncoming North Vietnamese regulars. They charged Frunz's position, and he was knocked unconscious by a grenade for three hours. After being treated by a corpsman he returned to combat that afternoon. For that, Frunz was awarded the Purple Heart.

Veterans and residents of the 13th Congressional District who need assistance dealing with Federal agencies or with help obtaining medals owed from service are encouraged to contact Gray's District Office in Merced at 209-226-6880 or by visiting gray.house.gov.

Photos from the ceremony can be found HERE.