Udall Helps Avondale Veteran Secure Purple Heart He Earned in Vietnam
Udall Worked with Pfc. Rudy Tafoya to Secure the Purple Heart for Wounds Sustained During 1968 Battle
Mark Udall, a champion for Colorado's veterans, congratulated Avondale resident and U.S. Army Pfc. Rudy M. Tafoya on receiving a Purple Heart today for his service in Vietnam. Udall worked to ensure Tafoya was presented with his hard-earned medal.
"Private First Class Tafoya's actions in Vietnam are nothing short of heroic — including what he did after being wounded in combat. I was honored to work with Pfc. Tafoya to secure him his rightfully earned Purple Heart," Udall said. "Colorado is home to so many heroes like Pfc. Tafoya. Ensuring they are properly honored is one of the highlights of my work in the U.S. Senate."
Udall, a fierce advocate for Colorado veterans, has successfully secured numerous Colorado veterans their hard-earned medals and other honors.
According to U.S. Army records, Tafoya was wounded on February 18, 1968 during a battle in the village of Phouc Binh, Vietnam. Tafoya, who was already awarded a Bronze Star for his actions, helped move his wounded colleagues to safety during the firefight.
Retired Brigadier General Dana Capozzella, Colorado assistant adjutant general and commander of the Colorado Army National Guard, presented Tafoya with the medal this morning. State Rep. Leroy Garcia and Lt. Col. Michael Quinn attended the ceremony in Avondale.