Iowa Congressman Steve King has announced that he will be honoring Sioux City resident and Vietnam War Veteran Richard Plueger with medals he did not formally receive for his service. The ceremony will take place 4-p.m. Thursday, at Congressman King’s office  in Sioux City.

Plueger is set to receive: The National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service stars; A Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross with Palm and Frame), and a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Richard Plueger  joined the Navy in 1966, at the age of 17.  Seven months later he was enrolled in Engineman Class A school to learn his field which transitioned him to be stationed in Vietnam until October 1967. He spent most of his time in Dong Ha, Vietnam where he ran supplies on a four man craft called “Mike 8.” He was responsible for hauling ammo, tanks , M-tracks and jet fuel for the Air Force Base. During his time in Vietnam, Plueger survived many fire fights along the Cu Viet River, which was the dividing line between North and South Vietnam.

He was then transferred to the USS Shadwell in Norfolk, VA where he worked on two cruises that took him to Puerto Rico, Turkey, Spain, Italy and Greece. During one of the “night maneuvers” at sea, his ship was hit by another ship leaving them stranded for three days and then towed to Malta for three months of ship repairs. However, the ship was decommissioned in October 1969 and Plueger was released to inactive duty.