SHEFFIELD VILLAGE -- More than 40 years after serving in the Vietnam War, a Sheffield Village veteran has received a Bronze Star and 10 other medals for his exemplary service.
Sen. Sherrod Brown presented Master Sergeant Raymond Hatch (U.S. Army, Ret.) with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart at a ceremony held Friday. MSG Hatch also received the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Parachute Badge, a Sharpshooter M-14, an Army Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars.
MSG Hatch graduated from Vermilion High School in 1965 and enlisted in the Army in 1967. He was injured in a chopper crash in Vietnam when he was being transported to help provide support when Firebase Airborne was overrun. Despite his injuries, MSG pulled himself from the wreckage and carried another soldier to safety.
He retired after 24 years in the Army. Hatch worked at the Lorain Ford Plant for 42 years in his civilian life and was a member of UAW Local 425.
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