A McLean County veteran who lost his military medals in a house fire now has them back.

Our Laura Rogers was there as U.S.

Senator Rand Paul recognized the American hero in a special ceremony in Ballingry.

This is heart warming.

Richard Smith of Sacramento, Kentucky, served as a sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam.

He put his life on the line when he got the silver medal, which goes for extraordinary heroism and a lot of battle.

That Silver Star was one of several awards and honors that Smith lost when his home caught fire in 2025.

35 minutes.

The structure was gone.

He initially was just thankful no one was hurt, but over time would reflect on the military honors that defined such a pivotal time in his young life.

They were all put on the wall.

The 101st general pinned the Silver Star on.

When Smith's nurse learned he had lost his medals.

She encouraged him to reach out about having them replaced.

It is a very exact process because we don't want to give people medals.

They don't deserve.

So we have to go back.

We have to document who they were when they served.

We have to document the things that happened.

All the evidence was there.

We were glad to replace these medals.

Smith's commander was in attendance today to speak on the heroic and quick thinking actions that helped save lives.

Back in April 1969.

I talked soothing.

It's like a patch has been put on it.

They don't hurt no more.

It's similar to when some of my combat brothers found me and got me to the reunions.

He says he takes pride in fulfilling his patriotic duty.

I believe if you're not proud of yourself, you can't be proud of anything around you.

And so that goes with material things don't make things out of your heart.

How you care for people, all that great.

Your friend is a big fan.

I got much of today honoring the past, but also the future of the military.

With a show of support from the McLane County ROTC.

It's to me a heartwarming effort to try to, you know, say thank you for your service to the country.

He is truly an American hero and salt of the earth person.

We work hard and we try to do right by everybody.

For Kentucky Edition, I'm Laura Rogers.

We thank you, Laura Rogers.

What a great story.