Uniontown residents gathered last week as retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Floyd Geho was presented with three additional military decorations, a recognition that comes more than half a century after his service in Vietnam. The awards — a second Bronze Star, a Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation — were approved by the Army Review Board following a request to re‑examine Geho’s service records.
According to the Herald Standard, Geho initially sought a review of his military file hoping to obtain a Purple Heart he declined while serving in 1970. After a visit from congressional representatives to Uniontown, which offered veterans a chance to request record reviews, Geho decided to pursue the matter. “We submitted a report to the Army Review Board for them to review all of my military records to determine my eligibility,” Geho said.
The board did not grant the Purple Heart, but it authorized the three additional decorations. Geho’s first Bronze Star was awarded in 1971 and was presented by his wife at the Uniontown Reserve Center associated with the 1005 Supply Company. The Vietnam Service Medal acknowledges his overall service, while the Gallantry Cross citation was a surprise to Geho, who said, “I had no knowledge of that particular award.”
Geho expressed amazement at the outcome, noting that the review process took more than two years. “It’s absolutely amazing because I would have never envisioned receiving three medals, in addition to what I’ve already received,” he said. “It’s just unbelievable after 56 years to be honored in such a way.” He also highlighted the patience required while the Army examined the extensive records accumulated over his career.
The veteran credited U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler’s office and a congressional representative who visited Uniontown for prompting his pursuit of the review. He encouraged other veterans who may have declined decorations during service to consider a records review, stating, “Absolutely.”
This recognition underscores the ongoing commitment of Uniontown’s veteran community and local officials to ensure that service members receive the honors they deserve, even decades later. The ceremony, held at the Uniontown Reserve Center, was attended by family, friends, and local officials, reinforcing the town’s respect for its military heritage.
While no further ceremonies are scheduled, Geho’s story may inspire additional veterans in the region to request record reviews, potentially leading to more acknowledgments of past service.
Sources: heraldstandard.com
