Vietnam vet recognized for ‘Michigan toughness’

By Christopher Behnan, Daily Press & Argus

U.S. Army Pfc. Andrew Kach proved his “Michigan toughness” when mortar fire knocked him out of a guard tower and, despite his wounds, he saved another soldier’s life, Kach’s Vietnam War captain said.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Howell, pins the Bronze Star with a ‘V’ device for valor on Vietnam War and Army veteran Andrew Kach in a ceremony Monday at the American Spirit Centre in Brighton Township. / GILLIS BENEDICT/DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Kach, a Brighton Township resident, on Monday received the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” device for valor in a ceremony at the American Spirit Centre in Brighton Township.

Kach was serving guard duty at a tower on Landing Zone Sherry in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, on Aug. 28, 1969, when his unit came under heavy mortar attack.

Kach returned fire, causing the enemy to redirect the attack.

Though wounded, he took a second soldier injured in the explosion to a medic and returned to his post until sunrise.

Kach’s machine-gun fire is credited with ending of the mortar attack.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Howell, presented Kach with his medal.

“The men I served with, every one of them bears the scars of serving their country at LZ Sherry,” Kach said after receiving his medal.

“Most people run from danger. They ran to it,” he added.

Kach served with the B-Battery Fifth of the 27th Artillery.

He explained that his unit, nicknamed both “The Professionals” and “The Bulls,” was under constant enemy attack during the war.

About nine members of Kach’s unit traveled from all over the country to see their comrade recognized for his service.

“We didn’t bend to the resistance. The Bulls stood strong and did their job no matter what the cost. And there were many that paid the ultimate price for that stubbornness,” he said.

“This medal is more about them than me. The men that are standing here with me, this is your medal as well as mine,” Kach added.

He individually saluted each of the surviving members of the unit in attendance.

Rogers’ office worked on a service affidavit compiled by Capt. Henry Parker, Kach’s captain during the war.

Parker traveled from Idaho for Monday’s ceremony.

Parker said it took just over three years to confirm Kach’s medal through the U.S. Army. He said the military requires verified accounts of service, a challenge for a war fought more than four decades ago.

Read the full story by Christopher Behnan from Daily Press & Argus.