TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation honored a veteran with the Medal of Patriotism during the July meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
Jerry Lynn McGhee, of Hulbert, was recognized by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Secretary of Veteran Affairs S. Joe Crittenden acknowledging his service and sacrifices to the country.
McGhee entered into the U.S. Army in June 1969 and completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. In Texas, he served at Fort Hood and was deployed to Vietnam in Nov. of 1969 until Nov. of 1970. McGhee was honorably discharged on May 14, 1971.
He was awarded the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal W/ 2 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal W/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and V Device Air Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal W/ V Device
McGhee thanked the Cherokee Nation leaders for the award during the ceremony.
Each month, the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices as a way to demonstrate the high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serve per capita than any other ethnic group, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
To nominate a veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, call 918-772-4166.