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Local Man Receives Military Unit Award
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Zach Anderson - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 09:08


With the threat of death looming, Alpha Troop's Captain John Poindexter's 120-member company volunteered to rescue the trapped American infantrymen.

"He told us to 'saddle up and move out,'" Schreck recalled.

Schreck, a gunner, driver and commander of an armored personnel carrier, was among the crew ordered to stay back at the base to protect it, but he listened to the tense moments and drama unfold over radios.

"[Alpha Troop] took over and pulled out of there," Schreck said.

Award presentation

On October 20, the veterans started their day at the Pentagon.

From there, Schreck said, their bus was escorted through Washington D.C. - with traffic stopped and motorcycles leading the way - to the White House.

Schreck said after a long walk down a hall at the White House, the group was lead to the Rose Garden. It was there President Barack Obama addressed the veterans and said the men define the meaning of bravery.

"We have an obligation to all who served in the jungles of Vietnam," the president said. "Our Vietnam vets answered their country's call and served with honor. But one of the saddest episodes in American history was the fact that these vets were often shunned and neglected, even demonized, when they came home. That was a national disgrace. And on days such as this, we resolve to never let it happen again."

President Obama's speech can be viewed online - go to www.c-span.org and search "Presidential Unit Citation."

From the White House, the vets returned to the Pentagon where they met up with their families and received their Presidential Unit Citation ribbons in a formal ceremony.

Since World War II, only 127 Presidential Unit Citations have been awarded.

Kathleen Schreck, Denny's wife of 38 years, said it was an emotional moment and she was so proud of her husband.

"It was really emotional when the widows of the fallen soldiers walked up to receive their husband's ribbon," Kathleen said.

The Schrecks were engaged to be married when Denny enlisted in the Army. He served two years in the U.S. Army.

The couple now has three children, one granddaughter and another on the way.

Schreck's reaction

to the award

Schreck is a man of few words and was very humble about the award.

When asked about his reaction to receiving the citation, he said, "It's kind of neat because when we came back we weren't recognized. People now say 'thank you' if they know you were in Vietnam. Why is it 40 years late?"

And when asked if this award brought a sense of closure, he said, "No, it's always there. You can't put it away."