OXNARD : Veteran Will Get His Medal--27 Years Late

After 27 years, the Army will finally make things right for Paul Calcaterra of Oxnard next week.

The 48-year-old veteran has been waiting--patiently--since January, 1967, when he clambered into a bat-riddled mountain cave on a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam’s central highlands.

The North Vietnamese often would use underground caves and caverns to stash troops and arms, and it was Calcaterra’s job to go underground and survey what was there. The day before, another private was killed on a similar mission.

Although he immediately encountered hostile forces, Calcaterra saw enough to inform his superiors that the cave contained a Viet Cong medical complex and arms storage area.

For Calcaterra’s bravery that day, his company commander, James T. Scott, requested that his scout receive the Silver Star, the Army’s third highest medal. In a subesquent battle that year, Calcaterra was wounded and received a Purple Hart. He was shipped stateside shortly afterward.

But for 27 years, the former soldier never received the coveted medal that he won for his bravery in the cave.

Then, three years ago, after more than 20 years had slipped by, he saw his old commander on television during the Persian Gulf War. A short time later, a friend suggested that Calcaterra inquire about the status of the award.

He wrote to Scott, and the general verified to the military that he had requested the honor.

“I’m very happy to finally be getting my medal,” Calcaterra said. “It means a lot to me and a lot to my friends who are vets.”

Army officials said Tuesday that they don’t know why the ex-serviceman failed to get his medal, but are glad that he will finally receive his honors next week.

“It’s been a long time to wait,” Lt. Col. Ken McGraw, an Army spokesman, said. “I do know that the general has been very anxious to do what he can to get this man his medal.”

Calcaterra, now a veterans claims officer for Ventura County, will be honored by his former commander, now a three-star general, during ceremonies Sept. 22 at Point Mugu Naval Air Weapons Station.

“I owe (General) Scott a debt of gratitude,” Calcaterra said. “Just like back in Vietnam, he was always loyal to his troops to the end.”