137 Veterans in Claiborne Parish awarded Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal

Today, Governor Bobby Jindal awarded 137 veterans from Claiborne Parish with the Louisiana Veterans’ Honor Medal at the Homer Town Hall.

Governor Jindal was joined by Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) Secretary Lane Carson and Major General Bennett C. Landreneau, Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard, to award the state’s veterans with a special medal in honor of their service in the Armed Forces.

Governor Jindal said, “These brave men and women were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and liberty – and these honor medals represent our deep respect and appreciation for their courageous service.”

Governor Jindal signed legislation in 2008 to create the Veterans’ Honor Medal Program in order to recognize and honor all of Louisiana’s veterans. The program is managed by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans’ Honor Medal is gold-plated and comes with a blue ribbon. One side shows the state of Louisiana with “United States” embossed above and “Armed Forces” below.

The other side bears the words, “Louisiana appreciates your service to our country.” Veterans who sustained a wound in battle will receive an honor medal designated by a silver star and a purple ribbon. Families of veterans who were killed in action will receive an honor medal designated by a gold star and a gold ribbon.

While awarding the medals, Governor Jindal told stories of medal recipients to highlight the heroic acts of Louisiana’s veterans. John L. Levingston was born and raised in Haynesville. Before joining the service, Levingston worked as an orderly at Haynesville Hospital.

At the age of 19, Levingston answered the call to serve and joined the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. While serving in Vietnam, Levingston and a fellow marine were sent on a mission to push back a group of enemy soldiers who were blocking his company from advancing forward.

Levingston remembers walking up a mountain to surprise the enemy and he immediately fired upon them. He was able to take out a few enemy soldiers. Showers of enemy bullets flew by Levingston as he attempted to help his fellow Marines advance. A bullet grazed Levingston’s temple and was a fraction of an inch from ending his life.

Despite the gunshot wound, Levingston and his fellow Marine continued to fight on and were ultimately able to help the rest of their unit pass through the enemy soldiers. Levingston spent weeks recovering after this mission, but he was able to return to his unit and complete his tour of duty.

For his courageous service, Levingston was awarded the Purple Heart. He returned to Haynesville in 1970 and was honorably discharged from the service. Levingston worked in maintenance at Esso Corporation for 28 years and raised five children in Haynesville. He retired in 1999.

Topics: Claiborne Parish, LDVA, Louisiana, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal, military, U.S., United States, veterans

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