ROGERS -- Spec. Bob Rodweller of Fayetteville officially received a Bronze Star on Friday from 3rd District Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, after spending three years documenting the events that led to the honor.
Rodweller found himself leading daytime and nighttime flights through heavy attacks while serving in Vietnam in May 1969. He was serving in the Army amid Operation Lamar Plain.
"This battle actively engaged the well prepared and tenacious North Vietnamese Army against the American division," documents from Womack's office state.
Rodweller said he learned of a downed Boeing Ch-47 Chinook helicopter during the battle. He said it was in the middle of an area under heavy fire. Other military officials decided to abandon the unmanned, two-engine helicopter, he said.
The aircraft likely would have been destroyed if left behind, Rodweller said. He asked a supervisor for permission to retrieve the helicopter and was granted permission.
"I led a four-man team to the aircraft," Rodweller said. "The enemy was shooting. There was small arms fire and mortars."
A 50-caliber round put a hole in the transmission of the helicopter, Rodweller said. A rag and piece of wood was used to plug the hole, he said.
Rodweller flew the $12 million helicopter 30 minutes back to safety, he said.
"His demonstrated expertise resulted in the high availability of aircraft and success of Americal Division's mission," a certificate awarded with the medal states.
"This medal represents all the men and woman, who like him, have served selflessly for this country," Womack said.
Rodweller was awarded the Bronze Star in 1969. The medal and paperwork were lost through moves over the years, he said.
The award was never officially filed by the military with his military records, Rodweller said. He started the process of making the award official in 2012.
"I treated it like a thesis," Rodweller said. "The thesis was that I had received it, but now I had to prove it."
Rodweller spent three years gathering photos, testimonies and meeting with military officials to prove the events that led to the award.
Cathy Case, Rodweller's wife, said some could consider the process frustrating. It was a good experience for her family, she said.
"Not only did we get the medal, but he has met so many people along the way," Case said.
The process helped rekindle military friendships for Rodweller, she said.
Rodweller said Womack's office was instrumental in helping him receive the award.
"My staff pays particular attention to these types of matters," Womack said. "If something gets lost or misplaced, it should be restored."
NW News on 08/29/2015