Army Secretary Francis Harvey is recommending that the late Woodrow Wilson Keeble, a Sisseton-Wahpeton veteran who served in two wars, receive the Medal of Honor.

Keeble fought in World War II and the Korean War He received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross award.

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and others have sought to add the Medal of Honor to the list. Harvey said Keeble's "gallant acts" deserve consideration.

"This brave soldier clearly distinguished himself through his courageous actions," Harvey's letter stated.

A final decision has to be made by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and President Bush. Keeble would be the first Dakota, Lakota or Nakota veteran to receive the medal.

Keeble died in 1982 at the age of 65. His widow and descendants were presented with replacement medals of his other awards on Wednesday.

Get the Story:
Letter backs award (AP 6/1)
pwpwd

Related Stories:
Native veteran to receive replacement medals (5/29)
Sen. Johnson: Long overdue honor for Native soldier (04/28)
Medal of Honor sought for Sisseton-Wahpeton vet (02/28)