BRONSON, MI (WTVB) - Congressman Tim Walberg tonight will make a special presentation of the Purple Heart to a Branch County Vietnam War veteran. Kenneth “Allan” Rifenburgh of Bronson served as part of the 7th Squadron of the 17th Air Cavalry unit based atCampEnari, nearlyPleiku,Vietnam.
On February 3, 1969 he was injured from a bomb explosion during a combat reconnaissance mission in the jungle. Rifenburgh said he felt like it was his responsibility as an American to serve and he never hesitated. According to Rifenburgh, “when I got drafted I just accepted it and figured I’d get involved withVietnam. It was a good feeling to be doing something”.
A veteran’s counselor in Battle Creek, who last spring was assisting Rifenburgh with treatment for post war traumatic stress syndrome, noticed in his file that he had not been a recipient of the Purple Heart. A further review revealed that his injuries were mistakenly classified at the time as resulting from friendly fire.
In the fall, Congressman Walberg’s office was contacted and the process was begun to insure the honor would be coming to Rifenburgh. Walberg said men and women like him are why we enjoy the freedoms that we do inAmericaand that he’s honored to present the medal for his faithful and dedicated service to our nation.
The ceremony is scheduled for tonight at 7 o’clock at the Branch County Department of Veteran Affairs office at the Human Services Building on Marshall Road. The Purple Heart is one of the oldest award given to members of the U.S. Military.
