FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                CONTACT: Joshua Gillespie
May 4, 2012                                                                                                                (317)848-0201

Indiana Son to Receive Rare Military Honor

Who:   Lt. Col. (ret.) Fred Spaulding and Family, Congressman Dan Burton, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger
What:   Presentation of Distinguished Service Cross
Where:   Presentation of Distinguished Service Cross
When:   Sunday May 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. – Indianapolis resident, retired Lt. Col. Fred Spaulding will receive the Distinguished Service Cross for service during Viet Nam. The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.

Congressman Dan Burton, who will be participating in the decoration ceremony said “I am honored to be a part of this event.  Our country is grateful for Lt. Col. Spaulding’s service and his extraordinary acts of bravery and courage in the face of the enemy’s extreme opposition.  Lt. Col. Spaulding's repeated return to face great opposition to rescue his fellow brothers in combat is a powerful testimony to the dedication of man who can truly be called a hero.”

Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree to be above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but not meeting the criteria for the Medal of Honor.

The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy Cross (Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) and the Air Force Cross (Air Force).

Media are encouraged to attend.

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