Frank Aloysius Herda received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration for valor, from President Richard M. Nixon on May 14, 1970 for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”
Frank was a Parma native and graduated from Parma HS in 1966. The honor reads, “Specialist Four Frank A. Herda (then Private First Class), distinguished himself on 29 June 1968 while serving as grenadier with Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) near Trang Bang, Republic of Vietnam. Company A was part of a battalion-size night defensive perimeter when a large enemy force initiated an attack on the friendly units. While other enemy elements provided diversionary fire and indirect weapons fire to the west, a sapper force of approximately thirty men armed with hand grenades and small charges attacked Company A’s perimeter from the east.
As the sappers were making a last, violent assault, five of them charged the position defended by Specialist Herds and two comrades, one of whom was wounded and lay helpless in the bottom of the foxhole. Specialist Herds fired at the aggressors until they were within ten feet of his position and one of their grenades landed in the foxhole. He fired one last round from his grenade launcher, hitting one of the enemy soldiers in the head, and then, with no concern for his own safety, Specialist Herds immediately covered the blast of the grenade with his body. The explosion wounded him grievously, but his selfless action prevented his two comrades from being seriously injured or killed and enabled the remaining defender to kill the other sappers. By his conspicuous gallantry at the risk of his own life in the highest traditions of the military service, Specialist Herda has reflected great credit on himself, his unit and the United States Army.”
Frank Herda passed away in October 2023 and Ohio State District 14 Representative Sean Brennan worked to have a historical marker in Veterans Park made possible through financial support from community members and American Legion Post 572. “Frank Herda represents the very best of Parma and the very best of the American spirit,” said Rep. Brennan. “He demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness when he NEARLY gave his own life to protect his fellow soldiers. This marker ensures that his story will remain a permanent part of the community he called home, and that future generations will know the name and sacrifice of this remarkable Ohio hero.”
The ceremony began with a welcome from Rep. Brennan. Then the posting of the Colors from American Legion Post 572 Honor Guard, the National Anthem by the Valley Forge Musical Ensemble and the Pledge of Allegiance led by V.F. High School Student Maira Saylor. Gary Perry of Post 572 gave an invocation and then Sean Brennan gave his remarks. He was followed by Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter.
A Parma HS classmate shared some memories and a resident told a story of the importance of the historical marker. Maira Saylor read the text of the Congressional Medal of Honor Citation and she was joined by another student for the unveiling of the marker. American Legion Post 572 Honor Guard shot a 21 gun salute and bugler David Harrison played Taps. The students placed a wreath at the marker and Gary Perry gave a final Benediction.
Watch a video of the ceremony for Medal of Honor Recipient Frank Herda.
Here are photos from the ceremony for Medal of Honor Recipient Frank Herda.
After the Ceremony, people posed with the new marker.
