Lost medals returned to family of North Dakota Vietnam veteran

MANDAN, N.D. (KMOT) – MSgt. Luther Hoffner, Sr. earned medals for his service in Vietnam.

These medals had been misplaced—that’s, till a coincidence that introduced Hoffner’s household along with an space police chief.

KMOT reporter Kalie Paulus, a veteran herself, helped organize a particular assembly to have his medals returned.

The household of Luther P. Hoffner, Sr. gathered with Berthold Police Chief Al Schmidt on the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Friday. Schmidt discovered service medals belonging to Hoffner, and bought them, eager to return them to their rightful proprietor.

Luther Hoffner’s son recounts his father’s time within the service, with satisfaction.

“He did a 12 months and a few odd months entrance line service obligation in Vietnam and when he bought again from Vietnam he bought out of the Military and in 73 he determined he wanted to return in service so he went again in to the Air Pressure as an alternative of the Military,” stated Luther Hoffner, Jr.

Schmidt stated he discovered the service medals at an area Minot thrift retailer and bought them, hoping to return the medals to the rightful proprietor. He did some analysis, and managed to find the son and granddaughter of Luther Hoffner, Sr. from Mandan.

Hoffner’s household stated they’re grateful for Schmidt’s efforts.

“That he at all times was so selfless and would give the shirt off his again, I labored as a CNA at Trinity Nursing residence and at the moment he additionally was there as a volunteer,” stated Amber Hoffner.

KMOT’s Kalie Paulus arrange a ceremony on the remaining resting place of the Vietnam veteran, on the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, for the household to fulfill with Schmidt and obtain these medals MSgt Hoffner earned whereas serving within the Air Pressure.

“Have the distinction returning the medals again to the household and the expression and emotion that they confirmed made all of it value whereas,” stated Schmidt.

Returning these honors to somebody who fought for our nation’s freedoms.

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