THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE APPEARED IN GENE'S LOCAL NEWSPAPER
[October 30, 2002]

We are all very proud of you, Gene...
WELCOME HOME BROTHER......[Mike]

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Vietnam veteran honored for bravery in war
Granville man receives Silver Star in surprise ceremony
By DAVID GILLIGAN
Advocate Reporter

SIMMERS


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NEWARK -- It's been more than 30 years since Gene Simmers charged into hostile territory under a hail of sniper fire outside a small Vietnamese town to treat several wounded Army infantrymen.

At that time, the Army medic wasn't thinking about valor or courage or the Silver Star he would later receive for his actions during the Vietnam War.

"I just knew that I had seven guys hit, and I had to do whatever I could to keep them alive," said Simmers, of Granville.

Now 33 years after he helped save those men, Simmers finally received what the Army had once promised him -- the Silver Star.

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Simmers on Tuesday was given the award during a small ceremony with friends, family and fellow veterans at the Licking County Veterans Crisis and Outreach Center.

The Silver Star is given to Army soldiers for courage and gallantry in battle. Simmers is only one of a handful of Licking Countians to receive that distinction, said Tom Comanescu, the center's office manager.

The award is the highest recognition given by the Army and the second highest among all the armed forces, next to the Medal of Honor, Comanescu said.

"It's a little late, but it feels real nice to finally have it," Simmers said.

On Feb. 9, 1969, Simmers and his unit were conducting a combat patrol near the Vietnamese town of Mo Duc. A booby trap exploded, injuring several men, and
enemy soldiers opened fire, according to the Army. Simmers moved through the
intense gunfire and administered first aid to the wounded, the Army stated.

He was chosen to receive the Silver Star soon after the incident, but asked to
have it mailed to him rather than receive it at a special ceremony in
Washington, D.C.

He declined being part of the special ceremony because of the political turmoil
and criticism the Army received following Vietnam. The award somehow got lost
among mountains of government paperwork and never made its way to Simmers'
home.

"The last thing I wanted to do after I got home was put my uniform back on, but
I've regretted that ever since," he said. "This here makes it all worthwhile.
It's been a long time coming."

The veterans center and Simmers' family revived the search for his Silver Star
a couple of months ago and surprised him with the award at the ceremony
Tuesday, which also happened to be Simmers' 53rd birthday.

"It's the best birthday I've ever had," Simmers said.

Harold Hobbs, Simmers' uncle, said the courage and dedication he showed his
fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War deserves the recognition.

"That brings a lot of pride to this family," Hobbs said. "He was only 21
then,
so he was very young to do something that brave."

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