In his book, The Bridges at Tokori, novelist James Michener writes movingly of the heroes who fought in the Korean conflict.

In the book's final scene, an admiral stands on the darkened bridge of his carrier waiting for pilots

he knows will never return from their mission.

And as he waits, he asks in the silent darkness,

Where did we get such men?

Almost a generation later, I asked that same question when our POWs were returned from savage captivity in Vietnam.

Where did we find such men?

We find them where we've always found them.

In our villages and towns, on our city streets, in our shops,

and on our farms. I have one more Vietnam story, and the individual in this story was brought up

on a farm outside of Currao in DeWitt County, Texas, and he is here today. Thanks to the Secretary of Defense, Cap Weinberger,

I learned of his story which had been overlooked or buried for several years.

It has to do with the highest award our nation can give.

The Congressional Medal of Honor given only for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Secretary Weinberger, would you please escort Sergeant Benevedes forward?

Ladies and gentlemen, we're honored to have with us today Master Sergeant Roy P. Benevetus,

U.S. Army retired. Let me read the plain factual military

language of the citation that was lost for too long a time. Master Sergeant Roy P. Benevitus,

United States Army retired for conspicuous gallantry and intrepity and action at the risk of his

life above and beyond the call of duty.

Where there is a brave man that is said, there is the thickest of the fight, there is the place of honor.

On May 2nd, 1968, Master Sergeant, then Staff Sergeant, Roy P. Benevides, distinguished himself by a series of daring

...