Vietnam veteran honored again

Morris Graves, of Forsyth, embraces his mother, Kathryn Graves, after receiving the Silver Star Banner.
Phil Surratt | Branson Tri-Lakes News

By Phil Surratt
Staff Writer
Originally published Nov. 10, 2009

In August 1970, a Marine from southeast Missouri was severely wounded in combat while serving in Vietnam.

Retired Cpl. Morris Graves, who now resides in Forsyth, was that Marine.

Graves ended up losing a leg from a battle that took place while his squad was on patrol in the jungle.

Graves, who was with Company D, 1st Battalion of the Fleet Marine Force while under fire, encouraged his fellow Marines to continue their mission.

Graves was later awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor, accompanied by a Presidential Citation, which read “Corporal Graves performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. He demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative and provided his command with outstanding support.”

Graves was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Medal and a Purple Heart with three stars.

Saturday night at VFW Post 5168 in Forsyth, Graves was honored again, this time with the Silver Star Banner, which is presented to wounded and ill veterans of all wars.

Graves was introduced by friend and fellow Mason Greg Pyron, of Branson.

“I’ve known Morris for some time now and he is a true man of courage and honor,” Pyron said. “I’m proud to be his friend.”

Pyron said it is every parent’s worst fear during wartime to receive news about a son injured in battle.

Graves’ mother, Kathryn Graves, was first to get the news from the military office in Poplar Bluff that her son was injured. Two days later, they returned to tell her that her son lost his left leg.

Kathryn Graves is 83 now and remembers that day like it was yesterday. She attended Saturday’s dinner and said she was proud of her four sons, who all went to war.

“I had four sons in the service and they all came back home safe,” she said. “If you have faith, good things will happen.”

“This just shows me that the Vietnam War is not forgotten,” Morris Graves said. “Vietnam changed a lot of people. All I did was what I was asked to do. I’m so glad my brothers and I all came home safely.”

This year, May 1 was declared as National Silver Star Service Banner Day.