Bill > SR1719

This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of Danny J. Petersen, a Vietnam War veteran from Kansas who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The resolution details Petersen's military service, highlighting his heroic actions on January 9, 1970, when he was a Specialist Fourth Class (Sp4) in the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division. During a heavy attack by a North Vietnamese Army battalion, Petersen demonstrated extraordinary courage by positioning his armored personnel carrier to protect a disabled U.S. vehicle, providing suppressive fire against the enemy. When his vehicle's driver was wounded, Petersen carried him 45 meters to safety through enemy fire, and then returned to stand exposed on top of the vehicle to provide covering fire during his platoon's withdrawal. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Gerald Ford in 1974, along with other decorations including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The resolution also notes that a portion of US-75 near Netawaka, Kansas, has been named the "Danny J. Petersen Memorial Highway," and his name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Craig Bowser and aims to formally recognize Petersen's exceptional bravery and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sr1719/