SALISBURY — Military veteran Sgt. Rodney Cress will be presented the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device this morning in a ceremony being held at The Event Center.
Cress, who served in the United States Army, as an infantry squad leader, Charlie Co., 2nd of the 7th, 1st Calvary Division (airmobile), during the Vietnam Winter-Spring Campaign as a Non-Commissioned Officer in a 10-man patrol.
The patrol’s job on March 7, 1971 was to scout an area for nearby enemy forces that might pose a threat. The patrol came upon a few unfinished enemy bunkers and were surrounded.
Cress positioned himself and his squad, getting them out of harms way. He also “took out” several enemy combatants that were firing from a nearby bunker.
This medal is given for acts of bravery and heroism.
The award ceremony, located at 315 Webb Road, was set up by Sen. Richard Burr and will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Cress’ platoon leader, Lt. Doug Paetz, realized Cress had not received the distinction and in March 2011 made the recommendation to the Army.
The process took nearly a year and Cress was notified a month ago.