Chuck Hagel

The former Secretary of Defense – the only Vietnam War veteran, and the first enlisted combat veteran, to serve in that office – was awarded The American Legion’s highest honor at the 97th National Convention in Baltimore by National Commander Mike Helm.
The Nebraska native volunteered to be drafted into the Army in 1967 and to go to Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts. He filled administrative roles in the Veterans Administration and the USO, then served two terms in the U.S. Senate. He has also served on a number of boards, including the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund Corporate Council and PBS.
Hagel’s record of supporting the U.S. military and veterans welfare is uncontested.
See www.defense.gov/About-DoD/Biographies/Biography-View/Article/602798 for more information on Hagel.