May 7, 2008 

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Members of a Vietnam Navy Squadron will receive presidential honors next week thanks to efforts by Congressman Bill Sali and Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, when he was a member of Congress. A Coeur d’Alene veteran, Kerry Bignall, will be among the honorees at next week’s event.

The United States Navy agreed with Sali’s recommendation that Observation Squadron SIXTY-SEVEN (VO-67) receive Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). Sali argued that VO-67 should be recognized for heroism.

“This recognition is 40 years overdue,” said Sali. “The men of VO-67 performed their duties with honor and distinction. I am proud that their fortitude, bravery and sacrifice will be recorded for all time, so that our children and grandchildren will recall what VO-67 did for a grateful nation.”

The U.S. Navy had previously awarded VO-67 the Navy Unit Commendation medal, a medal of lesser value and stature. In 2003, Otter worked on submitting paperwork to the Navy and advocating the squadron’s case. When Sali came to office, he took up where Otter left off, advocating for the squadron and for the presidential honors. Sali assigned veteran Josh Callihan, who worked for Otter’s congressional office, to continue fighting for VO-67.

VO-67 was a top secret naval observation squadron tasked with employing the use of highly sophisticated surveillance equipment in combat zones during the Vietnam War. This equipment was designed to track enemy movement, activity, etc. VO-67 was the first and only unit of its time to be involved in this unique type of technological warfare. Even today, US forces still use the equipment developed, tested and employed by the men of VO-67.

The ceremony presenting VO-67 with the Presidential Unit Citation will take place 11 a.m. May 14 at the United States Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.