Vietnam veteran from Ohio receives Silver Star

Man awarded for risking life to save wounded soldier

11/8/2011

WASHINGTON — A Vietnam veteran from Ohio has received the Silver Star for risking his life to rescue a wounded fellow soldier during combat.

Former Army Sgt. Thomas R. Gdovin, a Cleveland-area native, received the honor Tuesday in Washington, D.C., accompanied by the rescued soldier, Dan Phillips of Lancaster.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio presented the award to Gdovin, a Cleveland-area native.

Gdovin enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served in the 101st Airborne Division.

The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the U.S. military for valor in the face of the enemy.