FEATURE
ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS
This room has clusters of seating where veterans can socialize. The high
ceiling with clerestory windows lets in plenty of natural light.
options for veterans to engage with others who have similar
interests. Rule said there is a common room where people
might play cards, a library, big screen television and another
section with a fireplace for reading. A cafeteria with long tables
allows vets to eat together. The all-stainless steel kitchen
gleams with restaurant-size appliances.
Of the 120 beds, 60 are for Alzheimer’s and dementia
patients. Bedrooms are semiprivate with sitting areas, except
for six private rooms for very obese patients. Each wing
of the home, called neighborhoods, contains 60 beds. Each
neighborhood is split into three small wings, each with 20
The home’s design, which includes several small kitchen areas, seeks to
create a sense of community among residents.
THE MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION
Spec. 4 Ardie R. Copas will receive the Medal of Honor
posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as
a machine-gunner in Company C, 1st Battalion Mechanized,
5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
during combat operations against an armed enemy near Ph
Romeas Hek, Cambodia on May 12, 1970.
Ardie R. Copas was from Fort Pierce, Fla.
He joined the U.S. Army, June 18, 1969.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 21
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force
in the republic of Vietnam: Spc.4 Ardie R. Copas distinguished
himself while serving as a machine-gunner aboard
an armored personnel carrier during operations near Ph
Romeas Hek, Cambodia.
In the early morning hours of May 12, 1970, Copas’
company was suddenly attacked by a large hostile force
firing recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, and
automatic weapons. After Copas began returning fire, his
armored car was struck by an enemy recoilless round,
knocking him to the ground and injuring four American
Soldiers beside the vehicle. Ignoring his own wounds,
Copas quickly remounted the burning vehicle and commenced
firing his machine-gun at the belligerents. Braving
the hostile fire directed at him, and the possible detonation
of the mortar rounds inside the track, Copas maintained
a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the foe while the
wounded Americans were safely evacuated. Undaunted,
he continued to place devastating volleys of fire upon the
adversary until he was mortally wounded when another
enemy round hit his vehicle.
His daring action resulted in the safe evacuation of his
comrades and prevented injury or death to fellow Americans.
Copas’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty,
at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Copas received the
Distinguished Service Cross this award will be upgraded
to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18, Bronze Star Medal
with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Army
Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars,
Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge
with Auto Rifle Bar, Republic of Vietnam Military Merit
Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60”
Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions
Honor Medal Unit Citation, First Class.
From Medal of Honor News March 17, 2014, the day before
Copas was awarded the Medal of Honor by President
Barack Obama: http://tinyurl.com/ArdieCopas
>>
/ArdieCopas
