Members of a local veterans group in Springfield, Massachusetts will be honoring one of their native sons, who risked his life to protect others.
The Springfield Veterans Activities Committee will posthumously award its Lt. J. Frank Murphy Medal of Valor to Marine Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J Sullivan, masslive.com reports.
The medal is awarded to a resident of Springfield “who risked his or her life in saving the lives of others, or to a non-resident who performed such an act within the city of Springfield.”
Sullivan was one of five service members killed during the terrorist attacks in Chattanooga in the summer of 2015. He died while trying to rescue other fellow wounded Marines.
Last month, Sullivan was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.
When news spread about the death of the 40-year-old Springfield native in July 2015, the community came together to pay tribute. A sign at the local Fresh Acres Market read: “SEMPER FI GUNNY SULLIVAN ” and alongside it, the American flag flew at half-staff.
The awards ceremony for this latest honor will be held on Friday, May 27, at City Hall.
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