Richard Penry; Vietnam Medal of Honor Winner

Richard Penry, 45, who received the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Vietnam. Penry received the medal from President Richard Nixon at a White House ceremony in 1971 for his courage during a battle at Binh Tuy province on Jan. 31, 1970. He was the only member of his infantry platoon not wounded or killed when they were raked by rocket and mortar fire; he moved the wounded to safety and called for artillery and air support. As a civilian, Penry became embittered and was arrested several times on drug charges. Repeatedly given probation by judges impressed with his war record, Penry served seven months in prison in 1976 for violation of probation. On Monday in Petaluma, Calif., of cancer.