Colonel Thomas L. Groppel, the escort officer assigned to Private Kenneth Kays for the Medal of Honor ceremony in the White House in October 1973, will speak at the Fairfield City Hall,. That will be taking place on Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m.
In a special Wayne County Historical Society program, Col. Groppel will present his description of the ceremony and particularly his recollections of Kenny Kays.
Kenny Kays of Fairfield was twenty-one years old when he was sent to Vietnam. On his first day in battle, a brutal, four-hour firefight”, Kays put himself in direct fire outside the defense perimeter in order to treat wounded men. The cost of Kays’ bravery was the loss of his left lower leg, and severe Post Traumatic Stress following his return to Fairfield.
Colonel Groppel’s recollections of being with Pvt. Kays, is one of a “troubled hero” reluctant to accept the Medal of Honor.
The informal talk will be at Fairfield City Hall, Thursday evening at 6pm. The public is encouraged to attend.