Bronze Star Awarded to Military Veteran

Clay Peacock, a Scottsboro native, was presented with the Bronze Star for Valor during a Veterans Day ceremony at Collins Elementary School. The award recognized his heroism in Vietnam, where his actions saved his unit from being overrun by an enemy force. Colonel Frank Arena presented the award and commended Peacock for bringing credit to himself and his country.

U.S. Congressman Bud Cramer’s district director, Jim McCamey, expressed gratitude on behalf of Cramer for the long overdue and well-deserved honor. Cramer planned to read a resolution recognizing Peacock in the Congressional Record during the next session.

During a battle in 1969, Peacock, a radio operator, risked his life to call in an airstrike when his unit was outnumbered by Viet Cong forces. Despite being out of marker flares, Peacock crawled into the line of fire and used a strobe light to direct aircraft fire upon the enemy, leading to their withdrawal.

Peacock, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude for being able to receive the award and thanked God for bringing him home. The event also featured Colonel William Knight, who highlighted the importance of honoring all veterans for their service, past, present, and future.

Veterans Day, established by Congress, serves as a day to honor all veterans for their sacrifices in defending the nation. George Jones, commander of VFW Post 6073, called on attendees to remember both past and present service members. The ceremony ended with the Scottsboro High School Band playing “God Bless America” as the audience sang along.