BCSO, Eastern Florida State Introduce Medal of Honor Recipient, Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris

By  //  February 10, 2018

Earlier this week, my wife Susan and I had the honor of introducing Medal of Honor Recipient, Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris (USA RET) and his incredible wife Mary to numerous classes of students at the Titusville Campus of Eastern Florida State College as part of “Black History Month.” (BCSO Image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Earlier this week, my wife Susan and I had the honor of introducing Medal of Honor Recipient, Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris (USA RET) and his incredible wife Mary to numerous classes of students at the Titusville Campus of Eastern Florida State College as part of “Black History Month.”

This year’s theme was “African Americans In Times of War” and SFC Morris truly captured the essence of the theme and the attention of the attendees as he shared his experience as a Green Beret in the United States Army, including his heroic actions on September 17, 1969 that earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor.

On that day in 1969, SFC Morris not only saved the lives of his fellow Green Berets, but he also secured important documents from the enemy that would without question, have put other soldiers lives in danger. After being shot 3 times himself, SFC Morris neutralized the enemy and carried two of his teammates to safety. His actions were not only heroic and life saving, but solidified his love of country and courage in the face of danger.

And as if those actions were not enough, SFC Morris demonstrated the true meaning of “selfless service” when he was not awarded the Medal of Honor for his incredibly heroic actions while serving in Vietnam. He never asked once about not being recognized and for 44 years went without the recognition he so truly earned never even asking why. And then one day in 2013 he received a telephone call from then President Barack Obama telling him that he was being given the Congressional Medal of Honor.

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Throughout the day I was in awe of SFC Morris as I listened to his account of the incident and in knowing that he is one of only 71 Medal of Honor recipients who is still with us today!!

Please join me in not only thanking SFC Morris for his incredible service to our country, but for all he currently does to help steer our youth in the right direction through his presentations at schools across the nation!! I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank my beautiful wife, Susan Ann who is the Advisor Coordinator at EFSC for coming up with the idea to have SFC Morris speak to the students and for coordinating the presentations throughout the day.

– Sheriff Wayne Ivey

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