Ardie R. Copas

Specialist Four Ardie R. Copas was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Cambodia. On May 12, 1970, while serving as a machine gunner near Ph Romeas Hek, his convoy came under a heavy enemy ambush. Copas courageously repelled the hostile forces under intense fire, holding his position to allow his wounded comrades to be safely evacuated, during which he was killed in action.

His daughter, Shyrell Jean Copas, accepted the Medal of Honor on his behalf from President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony on March 18, 2014. The award was the result of a congressionally mandated review under the Defense Authorization Act, which sought to ensure that eligible Jewish American, Hispanic American, and other veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War had not been overlooked for the nation's highest military decoration due to prejudice.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Specialist Copas was awarded numerous decorations for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, and several Republic of Vietnam campaign and unit awards. His legacy remains a testament to extraordinary valor and selflessness in the face of the enemy.