Vietnam hero cures an old Rutgers wound (Most Decorated Officer in Vietnam War)

Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | 05/20/2011 | Michael Smerconish

[Kid Shelleen]

This time it was different for David Christian.

Forty years ago, he attempted to pursue a law degree upon his return from Vietnam and rehabilitation in veterans' hospitals. He'd been through hell, and the last place he expected to face more of it was in academia.

--snip--

Christian said certain of the deans had disputed the existence and severity of his war injuries, many of which are not obvious. "I was asked by the administration to disrobe in front of the student body because they didn't think I was a disabled veteran," Christian said.

[Kid Shelleen]

** Philly Metro Ping **

[E. Pluribus Unum]

"I was asked by the administration to disrobe in front of the student body because they didn't think I was a disabled veteran..."

We should have thought of that when Jawhn F'n Kerry was running for President in 2004!

[yldstrk]

Inspiring.

Too bad the losers who made his life miserable are now running the country.

[ComputerGuy]

Most excellent.

[Jack Hammer]

Shocking and unconscionable; he should have sued Rutgers and their “deans” for every penny in their respective bank accounts.

[Peter from Rutland]

I thought David Hackworth was the most decorated from Vietnam.

[forgotten man]

“I thought David Hackworth was the most decorated from Vietnam.”

I thought John Kerry was. /s

[End Times Sentinel]

The ULTIMATE indignity, of course, was that his degree came from Rutgers.

[rochester_veteran]

Back in 1979 after I separated from the service. I had a similar experience, just trying to get information from the Rutgers Meteorology program. I mentioned to them that I served in the Air Weather Service for 4 years and listed off the various duties I performed and they totally blew me off in a rude and condescending manner. I’m sure it was because I was a veteran.

Good for you David Christian! It’s good to see that attitudes towards veterans have finally changed at Rutgers!

[Tribune7]

ping

[WayneS]

I’m not sure why that was added to the headline when the story was posted here.

The article says “...one of the most decorated...”

[texas booster]

The Bucks Countian is one of America's most decorated veterans of any war. His service earned him seven Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry.

I think that this line up of medals EARNED not awarded will show up nicely against any politico.

I did need a double take on "Countian" - couldn't figure out what unit that was!

[oh8eleven]

* The wounds he sustained in Vietnam ... Oct. 29, 1968 ... spent six years in hospitals recovering.
*graduated from Villanova University and then enrolled at the Rutgers University Law School in Camden in 1973.
Wounded in '68, spent six years in hospital (1974), but graduated from college in 1973.
Just sayin' ...

[Joe 6-pack]

"I thought David Hackworth was the most decorated from Vietnam."

IIRC, prior to his death, Col. Hackworth billed himself as 'the most decorated living soldier.' A good number of his awards were earned during his service in Korea.

[Kid Shelleen]

>> thought David Hackworth was the most decorated from Vietnam <<

I am not sure. The tag line I always heard associated with David Christian "Most decorated Officer ". I am not trying to be cute but if you google his name you see many references. You can decide for yourself. Anyway he is a great American .

[Zakeet]

[Peter from Rutland]

Oh yeah, I’m sure. He IS great. Anyway, Hackworth was an officer by the time he went to Vietnam.

Very strange.

[colorado tanker]

What a wonderful picture. Thanks.

[DakotaRed]

I hope Jerry Lembcke, who has long claimed we made up tales of mistreatment coming home, sees this.

Welcome home, David Christian