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"Heart
and Soul"
Site last updated
30 March 2008
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Finally, She's a
Soldier's Hero
It took more than 30 years, but Karen finally received the
Soldier's Medal for bravery in Vietnam. It was long overdue.
Karen was only 19 years old in 1969 when she volunteered for duty in
Vietnam. Many of her friends and family thought she was crazy. But, Karen
felt she had a duty. "All I knew was that I was going to serve my country
and give up my life, if necessary," Offutt recalls. "It was that simple."
Once in Vietnam, Karen worked 10-15 hours a day, 1 1/2 days a week as a
Women's Army Corps stenographer. On her half day off, she volunteered at an
orphanage for Vietnamese children.
It was during one of Karen's rare off-duty moments that life presented
her with a challenge. When she saw smoke rising from a local hamlet, she
ran, barefoot to help. Time after time, she entered burning huts to drag
children and animals to safety. Witnesses were amazed at her determination,
courage and lack of concern for her own safety.
Through her actions, she saved the lives of several children. When her
commanding officers learned of her deeds, they nominated her for the coveted
Soldier's Medal for bravery.
She was to receive the medal in January of 1970, but before she could,
her nomination was pulled because "women just do not receive the Soldier's
Medal." Instead, Karen received a Certificate of Appreciation.
Over the years, many Vietnam veterans have worked to right what they saw
as a bureaucratic injustice. One of those who worked on Karen's behalf was
Michael G. Castle, who served in the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine
Division.
"It may have been an oversight," Michael says, "and it may very well
have been done because she was not a combat grunt. I find this to be
wrong. I am a Vietnam veteran and I was a grunt, and her courage matches
that of any man I served with while in Vietnam." Thankfully, and at long
last, Michael's support and that of others finally won the day. On April 7,
2001, in a surprise, Karen was awarded the Soldier's Medal with full honors.
Karen, who is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, as well as a
charter member of Women in Military Service for America, Vietnam Women
Veterans and Women's Overseas Service League, is a perfect example of the
many women who served bravely in Vietnam.
She is a true soldier's hero.
Extracted from Faithful
Friends
A VVA publication
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