Medal of Honor Forum, Honoring Extraordinary Veterans

The event, held in the main auditorium, featured two distinguished Medal of Honor recipients: retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General James Livingston and retired U.S. Army Colonel Gordon Roberts, both Vietnam War Veterans.

The health care system's namesake, Private First-Class Ralph H. Johnson, a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. On March 5, 1968, while serving as a reconnaissance scout, Pfc. Johnson threw himself on a grenade to save the life of a fellow Marine and prevent the enemy from penetrating his patrol's perimeter. Johnson's selfless sacrifice exemplifies the courage and dedication that the Medal of Honor represents.

The forum provided an opportunity for staff and attendees to hear the incredible stories of American heroes like Pfc. Ralph H. Johnson, Maj. Gen. Livingston, and Col. Roberts, to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients. Maj. Gen. Livingston and Col. Roberts shared their experiences and answered questions from the audience, offering insights into the courage and selflessness that define the Medal of Honor.

Major General Livingston earned his Medal of Honor for his exceptional bravery and leadership on May 2, 1968, in Dai Do, Vietnam. Despite being wounded twice, he fearlessly led his company against a numerically superior enemy force, destroying over 100 mutually supporting bunkers and driving the remaining enemy from their positions.

Colonel Roberts received his Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on July 11, 1969, near Thua Thien, Vietnam. As a squad leader during a reconnaissance mission, he single-handedly eliminated three machine gun nests and neutralized a fourth, saving the lives of over 20 fellow soldiers.

"Hosting this Medal of Honor Forum is a tremendous honor for our facility," said Scott Isaacks, director and CEO of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. "These heroes, including our namesake Ralph H. Johnson, embody the highest ideals of military service, and their stories serve as an inspiration to us all. We are proud to provide care for Medal of Honor recipients and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten."

Medal of Honor Day, observed annually on March 25, was established to recognize, and appreciate the sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the President of the United States to service members who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary acts of valor, gallantry, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.

As the nation prepares to celebrate Medal of Honor Day, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System remains committed to providing exceptional care for these American Heroes and ensuring that their legacies, and the legacy of Ralph H. Johnson, endure for generations to come.