Peter C. Lemon Kenneth Reige

Peter C. Lemon

Canadian by birth, American by choice

By Kenneth Reige USAF Veteran

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 above and beyond the call of duty earned him 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.

Picture of Mr. Pete Lemon Mr. Lemon at the Comfort Suites in has received Gallup. many 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.

This portion of Highway US23 in Iosco County in Tawas City, MI is now known as the “Peter C. Lemon Highway.”

I would like to share how I came to know Mr. Lemon and the first time I talked with him on the phone. This goes back a few years and as with most of my stories 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.

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.

Here is another great picture to share of Pete and Hershey. This was one of Eric Paul’s first solo shows. Pete, an accomplished artist, has been a huge supporter of Eric Paul’s work. Was great having both Pete and Hershey there to offer their words of wisdom and support to Eric Paul.

One of Pete’s sculptures titled “Tango” at the Pueblo, CO Convention Center. I believe the sign also said,“Do Not Touch.”

I would like to close this story with this photo of Retha, Hershey and Pete taken at the Comfort Suites. These two great men have become such an important part of our family. As a matter of fact, Retha calls Pete her big brother and Pete calls Retha his little sister. The story of that is something special between them and will remain that way.

Here is a picture of Mr. Pete Lemon holding his medal. A dear friend of both Pete and I had brought me this picture several years ago. His name is Mr. Ruben Archuleta. Ruben is also a veteran having served in the United States Navy and as the Police Chief for Pueblo, CO for many years. After Ruben had brought this picture, we agreed that I should get a copy of Hershey holding his medal. Which then started the most talked about and photographed exhibit at the hotel, called “The Hands of our Greatest Heroes.”

As with all my stories I close them with a quote from the “Medal of Honor Quotes” book and I will be using Mr. Peter C. Lemon’s quote which is: “True heroism is not a matter of chance; it’s a matter of choice.”

I would like to thank Mr. Lemon for those great words of wisdom, his friendship and dedication to our great country.