Peter C. Lemon Canadian by birth, American by choice This story is not only about one of our nation’s greatest military heroes, but also one of our nation’s greatest Americans and someone I am honored to be called one of his friends. Pete Lemon was born in Toronto, Canada on 5 June 1950. His family moved to Michigan where Pete graduated from Tawas Area High School in 1968 and shortly thereafter joined the United States Army. On 1 April 1970 while serving in the Tay Ninh Province in the Republic of Vietnam, Pete Lemon’s selfless actions at the risk of life By Kenneth Reige above and beyond the call of duty earned him USAF Veteran our nation’s highest award for valor against an enemy force. The Medal of Honor. Pete, like all other Medal of Honor Recipients, have that one thing in common. Besides having nerves of steel their main objective was “protecting and saving lives.” All you have to do is read their citations. Mr. Lemon Picture of Mr. Pete Lemon has received at the Comfort Suites in many Gallup. accolades; one being named as the “Outstanding American by Choice Award” that was presented to him on 1 May 2009 by President Barack Obama. This was the first time this award was presented by the President of the United States. I would like to share how I came to know Mr. Lemon and the first time I talked with him on This portion of Highway US- the phone. This goes back a few 23 in Iosco County in Tawas City, MI is now known as the years and as with most of my stories “Peter C. Lemon Highway.” involves spending time with Hershey. I was at his house when Hershey presented me with a book called “Beyond the Medal, A journey from their Hearts to Yours.” By Mr. Peter C. Lemon. This book is a must read and can be purchased on Amazon.
40
June 2022
After finishing, I reached out to Mr. Lemon and admit I was nervous speaking with him over the phone. It is awe inspiring to meet in person or to speak on the phone with a Medal of Honor Recipient but, our conversation was so pleasant, like 2 buddies who hadn’t spoken in a while
and we have been friends ever since. Pete has stayed at the hotel several times and we of course visited with Hershey, hanging out and sharing stories. It mostly was me wide eyed listening to these two amazing American’s sharing their stories.
It is a great day when you have 2 MOH Recipients present at your flagpole dedication ceremony. From L to R:Mr. Jamie Popwell, USMC and Global War on Terror Veteran. Ken Riege, USAF and General Manager of the Comfort Suites in Gallup. Mr. Hershey Miyamura, US Army and Korean War MOH. Mr. Pete Lemon, US Army and Vietnam War MOH.
