THE SONOMA COUNTY UNITED VETERANS’ COUNCIL
SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
September 11, 2024
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing to request your support in posthumously pardoning Medal of Honor recipient SGT Richard A. Penry for non-violent drug charges resulting from severe wartime trauma experienced in Vietnam that went untreated resulting in failed reintegration and addiction.
Sergeant Penry's heroic actions in combat, exemplify the highest ideals of military service.
However, like many Vietnam and Global War on Terrorism Veterans, he struggled with PTSD upon returning home, leading to self-harm behaviors and substance abuse issues.
Medal of Honor recipients are our community exemplars. If addiction and self-harm can happen to Sergeant Penry, it can happen to any Veteran. This underscores the need for comprehensive community-based support systems for all Veterans and their families.
Since 2001, over 120,000 Veterans have committed suicide, with 60% not receiving VA care they were likely eligible for. In the Vietnam generation this gap existed, and this critical gap still exists between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, creating barriers that prevent Veterans like Penry from receiving necessary care. Local Congressionally Chartered Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) exist to fill that gap.
A posthumous pardon for Sergeant Penry would acknowledge the overlooked struggles of Veterans with PTSD and serve as a powerful statement recognizing the need to bridge the gap between military service and Veteran care. It would also show all living Veterans that our nation cares about them and that there are positive ways to reintegrate after war via local VSOs.
This action would demonstrate our commitment to supporting Veterans through both triumphs and struggles, encouraging those facing similar challenges to seek help without fear of judgment. It would also raise awareness about the need for local mental health services and local VSO enabled transitions for Veterans, that if addressed will save countless lives.
Very Respectfully,
Andrew M. LeMarQuand, MAJ (R), USA
Commander
United Veterans Council
Sonoma County, California
Phone: (707) 494-7282
Email: [email protected]
CITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE BOX 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
Kevin McDonnell
Mayor/ Alcalde
Petaluma City Hall
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone (707) 778-4345
Message Phone (707) 778-4525
E-Mail
[email protected]
September 12, 2024
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing to you in support of THE SONOMA COUNTY UNITED VETERANS’ COUNCIL’S request re posthumously pardoning Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Richard A. Penry, a Petaluma resident, for nonviolent drug charges resulting from severe wartime trauma experienced in Vietnam.
As Mayor of the City of Petaluma, I have attended many Veterans events including Peace Pole installations at our schools and heard first-hand the trauma that these military personnel suffered.
Sergeant Penry's heroic actions in combat, exemplify the highest ideals of military service. However, like many Vietnam and Global War on Terrorism Veterans, he struggled with PTSD upon returning home, leading to selfharm behaviors and substance abuse issues.
A posthumous pardon for Sergeant Penry would acknowledge to Veterans, and the Families of all Veterans, the overlooked struggles of Veterans with PTSD and serve as a powerful statement recognizing the need to bridge the gap between military service and Veteran care. It would also recognize the huge debt that we owe these folks.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kevin McDonnell
Kevin McDonnell
Mayor, City of Petaluma
September 13, 2024
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
I write to you to express my strong support for a posthumous pardon for Sgt. Richard Allen Penry, a distinguished Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient from Petaluma, Sonoma County, California.
Sgt. Penry received the Medal of Honor for his actions in battle on May 31, 1970, in Binh Tuy Province in South Vietnam. After being dropped into the jungle by helicopter, he and his platoon came under immediate and withering enemy fire, which killed his commanding officer and wounded many of his platoon. His MOH citation states Sgt. Penry demonstrated “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty.” He singlehandedly loaded 18 wounded soldiers onto an extractor, saving many of his comrades’ lives. Having demonstrated selfless sacrifice for our country, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in June 1971 by President Richard Nixon.
Like so many, Sgt. Penry survived the war but with lasting effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder, homelessness and substance abuse that resulted in drug-related convictions. He died in 1994 at age 45. Despite these hardships, his legacy should not be overshadowed.
By pardoning Sgt. Penry, we can fully honor his heroic actions and remember the sacrifices made by all of our veterans. Furthermore, I believe this pardon will positively impact our local community by recognizing the contributions made by Sgt. Penry and serve as a powerful statement of our commitment to his legacy, and our appreciation for every veteran.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Respectfully,
Chris Coursey
Third District Supervisor
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
COUNTY OF SONOMA
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
575 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE, RM. 100A
SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA 95403
(707) 565-2241
FAX (707) 565-3778
CHRIS COURSEY
Supervisor, Third District
COUNTY OF SONOMA
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
575 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE, RM. 100A
SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA 95403
(707) 565-2241
Lynda Hopkins | Fifth District Supervisor | [email protected] | 707.565.2241 September 18, 2024
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing to request your support in posthumously pardoning Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Richard A. Penry for non-violent drug charges resulting from severe wartime trauma experienced in Vietnam.
Sergeant Penry's heroic actions in combat, exemplify the highest ideals of military service. However, like many Vietnam and Global War on Terrorism Veterans, he struggled with PTSD upon returning home, leading to self-harm behaviors and substance abuse issues.
In military training, Medal of Honor recipients are used as exemplars. If addiction and self-harm can happen to Sergeant Penry, it can happen to any Veteran. This underscores the need for comprehensive community-based support systems for all Veterans and their families.
Since 2001, over 120,000 Veterans have committed suicide, with 60% not receiving VA care they were likely eligible for. In the Vietnam generation this gap existed, and this critical gap still exists between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, creating barriers that prevent Veterans like Penry from receiving necessary care.
A posthumous pardon for Sergeant Penry would acknowledge the overlooked struggles of Veterans with PTSD and serve as a powerful statement recognizing the need to bridge the gap between military service and Veteran care. It would also show all living Veterans that our nation cares about them and that there are positive ways to reintegrate after war.
This action would demonstrate our commitment to supporting Veterans through both triumphs and struggles, encouraging those facing similar challenges to seek help without fear of judgment. It would also raise awareness about the need for local mental health services and community enabled transitions for Veterans, that if addressed will save countless lives.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Lynda Hopkins
Supervisor – District 5, Sonoma County, Board of Supervisors September 18, 2024
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
RE: Richard Allen Penry, posthumous pardon request
Dear President Biden,
I am writing to express my strong support for the community initiative led by our local veteran organizations to seek a pardon for Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Richard Allen Penry.
Sergeant Penry, United States Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Nixon in June 1971 for his extraordinary heroism in Binh Tui Province, Vietnam, on January 31, 1971.
During an intense enemy attack involving mortars, rockets, and automatic weapon fire, he displayed remarkable courage by single-handedly halting the assault and evacuating 18 wounded men to safety. He provided first aid, secured a working radio to call for assistance, and defended against 30 attackers throughout the night until help arrived.
Sgt. Penry's valor allowed those 18 men to return home to their families. His selfless service earned him our nation’s highest military honor, and his return from Vietnam was commemorated as “Richard Penry Day” by the Petaluma City Council. In 2001, the City of Petaluma honored him further by renaming Hillcrest Park to Penry Park in tribute to this local hero.
However, Sgt. Penry faced significant challenges upon returning to civilian life. On October 4, he was arrested on drug-related charges, followed by additional charges for parole violations.
The post-war services available to veterans during the Vietnam era were severely lacking, leaving Sgt. Penry to navigate his transition without the necessary support. The journey from military service to civilian life remains difficult for many veterans today, highlighting the ongoing struggle our nation faces in providing adequate resources for those who have served.
Sgt. Penry passed away at the young age of 45, and his legacy should be defined by his honorable service rather than the legal issues he encountered while trying to readjust. Our community is advocating for this pardon not only to honor Sgt. Penry but also to raise awareness about the broader challenges faced by veterans dealing with post-war trauma. A criminal record
COUNTY OF SONOMA
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
575 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE, RM. 100A
SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA 95403
(707) 565-2241
FAX (707) 565-3778
DAVID RABBITT, SUPERVISOR
SECOND DISTRICT
[email protected]
should not overshadow his heroism or diminish the pride his family and community feel for his sacrifices.
Thank you for your commitment to our veteran community and for considering the struggles of Sgt. Penry. We hope you will join the veteran organizations of Sonoma County, along with other civilians and elected officials, in granting a pardon to our local hero and Medal of Honor recipient, Sergeant Richard Allen Penry.
Sincerely,
David A. Rabbitt, Supervisor
County of Sonoma, Second District
September 20, 2024
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor, State of California
1021 O Street
Sacramento CA. 95814
Re: Pardon of Richard Penry
Dear Governor Newsom:
I write to respectfully request that you issue a posthumous pardon of Sergeant Richard Penry for the nonviolent drug offenses on which he was convicted. Sgt. Penry is a distinguished Medal of Honor recipient who resided in my district.
Like so many returning veterans, Sgt. Penry survived the Vietnam War but with lasting effects, including posttraumatic stress disorder, homelessness and substance abuse. He tragically passed away in 1994 at age 45. Despite these hardships, his legacy should not be overshadowed by his criminal charges.
By pardoning Sgt. Penry, we can fully honor his meritorious valor and recognize the difficult sacrifices made by all of our veterans. This pardon has the potential to positively impact our local community by recognizing the contributions made by Sgt. Penry and serve as a powerful statement of our commitment to supporting veterans after they return home from service.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
State Senator Bill Dodd, 3rd District