Reed Hosts Purple Heart Medal Ceremony for RI Vietnam Veteran

CRANSTON, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hosted a special medal ceremony in honor
of Vietnam veteran Robert Walter Edmands, 69, of Chepachet. Reed presented the U.S.
Army veteran with the prestigious Purple Heart medal and other military honors he
earned but never received following his courageous Vietnam War service.

Mr. Edmunds served in the Army as a Specialist, E-4 with the 9th Infantry Division
from August 1966 to July 1968. He earned a Purple Heart Medal after being wounded
in battle as a result of hostile enemy actions during the Vietnam War. In addition
to the Purple Heart, Senator Reed also presented Mr. Edmands with the Vietnam
Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars and the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar.

«It is my honor to celebrate the courageous service and sacrifice rendered by Mr.
Edmands and offer a small token of our enduring gratitude. It is important that we
continue to recognize what our veterans have done for this country, and on behalf of
the people of Rhode Island, I offer Mr. Edmunds our sincere thanks and admiration,»
said Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The attention to orders for the ceremony state: «Mr. Edmands’ service was in keeping
with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon
himself and the United States of America.»