EXCLUSIVE: Vietnam veteran reunited with medals lost 55 years ago

OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — In a small room inside the federal building in Ogden, a small group of family and friends gathered for a moment 55 years in the making. Staffers from Senator Mike Lee’s office lined up chairs, pulled a tablecloth tight, and welcomed the guest of honor – Mr. Lloyd Williams, a veteran of the Vietnam War.

ABC4 first became acquainted with Mr. Williams in November of 2024. He was one of dozens of veterans taking part in an Honor Flight. He would visit the monuments and memorials built to commemorate America’s servicemembers and the conflicts in which they served.

While touring Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, Mr. Williams recalled his experience returning from the Vietnam War.

“When I came home, I was so embarrassed,” said Williams. “I threw all my unforms away, my medals away. I got rid of everything. I didn’t want anything to do with being a soldier. That’s how bad it made me feel. Now, I wish I had them back.”

Honor Flight organizers heard his story and quickly contacted the office of Senator Mike Lee. A longtime caseworker on staff, Emily Wiscombe, coordinated the work to replace Mr. Williams’ medals.

“This is the best part of my job,” exclaimed Ms. Wiscombe. “It’s so gratifying to know we made a little bit of a difference in their lives.”

Back inside the small room in the federal building, Wiscombe, other staff members, and family and friends of Mr. Williams, watched intently as five medals were picked up from the table and placed in Mr. Williams’s hands. It was a return of honor 55 years in the making.

An emotional Williams, wearing a black Vietnam veteran hat, remarked at the experience.

“I wear this hat and people will just come up to me and say ‘Welcome Home.’ That means the world to me because I never got that. I never got that at all, and I appreciate it,” he said.

Mr. Williams is one of many Utahns who qualify for various federal services, including replacement of military medals and commendations. If you need help with a similar situation, you can find resources here: Assistance with Federal Agencies – Mike Lee US Senator for Utah.

You can also learn more about Utah Honor Flight through the nonprofit’s website.