Vietnam veteran Ron Mackedanz of Kandiyohi, center, receives his Silver Star from Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Hanson of Atwater during a ceremony Saturday at the Willmar War Memorial Auditorium.
Mackedanz's wife, Janet, also participated.
The Silver Star is awarded to a person for gallantry in action. Mackedanz was honored for actions in 1969 in Vietnam, pushing back the enemy with a grenade launcher and machine gun. He then helped with the evacuation of wounded soldiers, while hurt himself.
The Willmar ceremony was for the many friends and relatives who are unable to attend the upcoming special ceremony at Fort Riley, Kansas.
