WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., today presented John Wehn of Fraser Michigan, with seven war medals that Wehn earned while serving a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1970. Wehn had never received the medals that he earned for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Then Private First Class Wehn earned the awards on July 21, 1970, while serving as a radio-telephone operator with Company B, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry.

"As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am honored to have the opportunity to present John Wehn with the war medals that he earned while serving our country during the Vietnam War," said Levin. "These medals represent the bravery and honor that Wehn demonstrated during his service. He richly deserves these medals as a testament to his accomplishments."

In Army documents, the Secretary of the Army discussed the circumstances of Wehn's honors, stating "On that date, an element of the company was conducting routine combat operations near Quang Ngai when it came under intense enemy fire from several well-concealed positions. Reacting immediately and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Wehn exposed himself to the hostile rounds in order to call-in friendly air support. Ignoring the danger involved, he remained in his vulnerable position despite the direct fire being placed against him by the insurgents. After the gun ships had arrived, he again exposed himself to the enemy fusillade while directing the helicopters against the hostile emplacements. Through his timely and courageous actions, he was instrumental to the overall success of the mission. Private First Class Wehn's personal heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the American Division, and the United States Army."

Flynn Middle School in Sterling Heights, where Wehn currently works, initiated the effort to help assist Wehn in receiving his medals. Charles Kluka, the principal of Flynn Middle School, said his school had been planning on doing something special for Veteran's Day when they found out one of their own was a heroic war veteran. After finding out Wehn had never received any medals, Kluka called Levin's office to aid in obtaining the medals.

Levin presented Wehn the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with DVC 60.

The Flynn Middle School Community raised money to send John, his wife Mary, and their daughter Shannon to Washington D.C. to visit the war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery.