Iowa Congressman Steve King said Friday, that he will be honoring Sioux City resident and wounded Vietnam Army Veteran, Dennis Roberts on Tuesday, August 21st, with medals Roberts did not formally receive previously for his service. The ceremony takes place at 12:30-p.m., in Congressman King’s office in Sioux City.  Roberts is slated to receive the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the Air-, Army Commendation-, National Defense- and other, similar medals, in addition to his Combat Infantryman badge, and sharpshooter badge and rifle bar.

Roberts served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from March 1969 to June 1970. During that year he was a reconnaissance scout assigned to search and destroy missions with the 101 St. Airborne Divisions.  On Christmas Day in 1969, his 25 member platoon landed and split up into groups.  The landing zone or “L-Z” was hot, with the soldiers came under enemy fire. In the fire-fight, Roberts came into contact with a booby trap. The explosion blew-off his right thumb. Shrapnel also pierced hit his right arm and lower back. Roberts suffers from permanent loss of hand motion as a result of his injuries.