Photograph Receiving Congressional Medal of Honor

Photo of participant accepting the Congressional Medal of Honor on behalf of a soldier who was killed in 1968 in Laos and was inducted to the Hall of Heroes. Made of paper in good, functional condition. Professionally taken by the US government in Washington, D.C. Participant ID_00039, Object ID_00080

The participant's mother was sworn to secrecy concerning the nature of her husband's death and occupation. It was not until later in life when a researcher made contact, that the participant learned the full truth regarding his father's passing. The participant remembers meeting the president in Washington, D.C., to receive his father's medal and the publicity and humor of sharing a personal moment with President Obama. The family originally believed he was killed in a helicopter crash but he was actually killed during a CIA operation, serving under Lockheed at the Lima Site 85 in Northeast Laos. The photograph is a symbol of familial celebration and resilience.