Congressman Henry Cuellar and Mayor Victor Trevino Present Long-Overdue Medals to Vietnam Veteran Robert Samuel Hill

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and Mayor Victor Trevino presented long-overdue military medals and a flag to Vietnam veteran Robert Samuel Hill during a ceremony at Laredo City Hall.

Cuellar opened the presentation by honoring Hill’s service and listing the decorations to be presented. “It is my deep honor to present this long overdue medals and say 2 simple words. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” Cuellar said. He described Hill’s service and the medals that had not been issued at the time of Hill’s separation from the Army.

Nut graf: The ceremony recognized multiple medals that Cuellar said had not been delivered previously; the presentation included a flag that Cuellar said was flown over the U.S. Capitol and remarks from the mayor emphasizing local appreciation for veterans.

Cuellar and others read the medals being presented. According to Cuellar’s remarks, the honors included the Bronze Star Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon; and a marksman badge for rifle and auto-rifle proficiency. Cuellar noted administrative issues at the time of Hill’s separation that delayed issuance and thanked staff who worked to secure the honors.

Mayor Victor Trevino offered brief remarks thanking veterans for their service and noting the community’s debt of gratitude. Robert Samuel Hill spoke briefly, thanking those who helped and saying, “I did what I had to do.” Cuellar also acknowledged staff in his office who assisted families with veterans’ issues and immigration or passport help.

Ending: The ceremony concluded with photographs and the presentation of the flag and medals. Officials said the event was intended to correct an administrative omission and to honor Hill and other veterans present.