99-Year-Old World War II Vet Given Five Medals In Touching Tribute Ceremony

Sep 09, 2019 by apost team

Thomas Franklin Vaughns recently received some much-deserved recognition. He was awarded five medals for the sacrifices he's made for the United States. The 99-year-old Army veteran served his country in World War II as a Tuskegee Airman. He also served in the Korean War.

He had previously received the American Campaign Medal for World War II, the World War II Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, and the Good Conduct Army Medal. However, the Arkansas man lost them over the many years since receiving them reports People, so a new ceremony that was overseen by Arkansas senator John Boozman took place. At this ceremony, Vaughns received replacements for his previously earned medals.

apost.com

Vaughns also received a brand-new medal: the National Defense Service Medal. He earned this for his time in the Korean War. Shirley Washington, the mayor of Pine Bluff, where the ceremony took place, officially declared August 21 to be "Thomas Franklin Vaughns Day."

His life of service didn't end with his time in the Army. When he returned from the Korean War, he became involved in the education field and helped many young Americans to get an education that they might not otherwise have gotten. He also devoted himself to volunteer work and mentoring.

State Senator Stephanie Flowers, also present, praised Vaughns for spending his life helping others. She also praised Vaughns for having the courage to serve when, as an African-American man, he faced discrimination and hardship along the way.

"Despite indignities offered because of the color of your skin, you still persevered," Sen. Flowers said, in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Segregation in the Army didn't end until after Vaughns served in World War II.

Thomas Franklin Vaughns is a true American hero. If you think he deserves more recognition for his contributions to society, let others know about him!