VIDEO: Salem Man Receives Vietnam Service Medals

A long-overdue honor came Friday for Roy Nelson of Salem, who received his military medals for serving two tours in Vietnam more than four decades ago.

A brief ceremony was held at Rockingham Park to honor Nelson, whom general manager Ed Callahan said has worked security at the track for many years.

Friends, family and many others were in attendance including U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Brigadier General Peter Corey of the N.H. Army National Guard, state Representatives Ronald Belanger, Mary Griffin and Walter Kolodziej and Windham Board of Selectman Chairman Bruce Breton.

Nelson six years of active duty with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. On Friday he received the following medals: 

·         The Combat Infantry Badge

·         The Parachutist Badge (Jump Wings)

·         The National Defense Service Medal

·         The Vietnamese Service Medal

·         The Vietnamese Campaign Medal (given by the former Republic of Vietnam)

·         The Rifle Marksman Badge

"On behalf of New Hampshire and on behalf of a grateful nation, we say thank you," Ayotte said to Nelson.

Nelson was humbled and thanked those in attendance, saying he never expected anything like the ceremony Friday.