SOUTHEAST MISSOURI MEN HONORED FOR VALOR

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Two area men were honored recently for their service in the armed forces at a ceremony in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

James Helderman of Whitewater, Mo., and James Taul of Sikeston, Mo., were both honored for serving their country in combat with valor. The awards were given by Veteran Service Organization commanders and service officers of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.

A photograph of each recipient and a description of service will be posted on the Wall of Valor at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.

Helderman ran through intense automatic weapon fire to rescue a comrade while serving in the U.S. Army infantry division during the Vietnam War.

He previously was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service and an Air Medal.

Taul served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He negotiated a minefield to carry seriously injured soldiers back to a medical evacuation pick up point. He was awarded an Army Commendation for Valor and an Air Medal.

Vern Sebastian of Jackson, Mo., also received an award from the veterans group during the ceremony. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and maneuvered through gunfire to retrieve a fallen comrade. He was later injured by enemy fire.

The awards service was held recently at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff. All the men honored were recipients of medals like the Bronze Star of a Silver Star for valor. Each year the VA Medical Center honors men for their duty.