In the heart of Petaluma, a story of heroism, struggle, and ultimate recognition unfolds. Sgt. Richard Allen Penry, a Vietnam War veteran whose extraordinary courage was overshadowed by his battle with PTSD, has finally received the posthumous pardon he deserved.

A Hero’s Sacrifice

In 1970, during the intense Vietnam War, Penry single-handedly stopped an enemy attack, saving his entire platoon. President Richard Nixon awarded him the Medal of Honor for his “extraordinary heroism at the risk of his own life”. But returning home wasn’t the triumph he expected.

The Invisible Wounds of War

Sgt. Penry’s story is a stark reminder of how veterans often suffer silently. Without proper mental health support, he struggled with substance abuse and faced criminal convictions - a heartbreaking consequence of untreated PTSD. Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged this painful reality, highlighting the lack of resources for veterans during that era.

A Legacy Restored

Thanks to a local veterans’ group from Sonoma County, Penry’s legacy has been restored. His posthumous pardon sends a powerful message about understanding and supporting veterans’ mental health challenges. As VFW Post 1929 Commander Andrew M. LeMarQuand poignantly stated, “If PTSD can impact a Medal of Honor recipient like SGT Penry, it can affect anyone”.