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Ypsilanti veteran to receive Medal of Honor for daring rescue in Vietnam War

Next Monday, the nation will say thank you to 86-year-old Charles Kettles.

President Obama will present the Vietnam veteran helicopter pilot with the Medal of Honor, the military’s highest award, for a courageous rescue mission in the heat of ferocious combat.

On May 15, 1967, this son of Ypsilanti flew his UH-1 helicopter into heavy enemy fire time and time again to save dozens of soldiers pinned down by the North Vietnamese Army.

His Huey was battered by enemy mortar rounds and automatic weapons fire, but he somehow kept his helicopter airborne, and accomplished his mission.

Today, we welcomed retired Lt. Col. Charles Kettles of the U.S. Army to Stateside.

GUEST Retired Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kettles is a Vietnam War veteran who will be presented the Medal of Honor on Monday, July 18, 2016.

Stateside is produced daily by a dedicated group of producers and production assistants. Listen daily, on-air, at 3 and 8 p.m., or subscribe to the daily podcast wherever you like to listen.