Lost medals found in Lakeland after 48 years, returned to Vietnam War veteran

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tennessee Vietnam War veteran has waited decades to hold his war medals.

In 1967, David McCloud was on leave when he learned he would be receiving a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a Vietnam Service medal, all engraved with his name. He couldn’t make it to the ceremony, but was assured someone would collect them for him.

He never saw them.

“I got the certificates, but I never ever got the medals,” McCloud said.

A few years later, a Tennessee Congressman made sure he got replacements, however, they did not have his name engraved on them.