Rockwall, TX (July 7, 2025) – This is the story of a local man and events that happened over 50 years ago.
But it’s important that we remember this hero and others like him in America today.
Many aspects of the military are confusing to people. Just the appearance of a person in uniform and what all those “things” on their chest means, is enough to make people wonder.
Most individuals have heard of the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star, but they really don’t know what they mean. Nor do they understand what it takes to be awarded one of these decorations for extreme bravery on the battlefield.
Way back over 50 years ago, Mr. Michael Kuklenski of Rowlett was awarded the Silver Star.
At that time, he was a Hospital Corpsman with the US Navy, supporting a platoon of Marines in South Vietnam. His award is an example of what it takes to earn the Silver Star.
Imagine yourself in his shoes in the jungles of Vietnam. It’s hot, it’s humid, its dark, visibility is almost zero, and you really have no idea where the VC are (VC are the North Vietnamese Soldiers).
This is how the Department of Navy relayed the story that resulted in the Silver Star for Michael.
“Late on the night of 29 May 1969, Petty Officer Kuklenski’s platoon was occupying an ambush site along a trail in Quang Nam Province, 500 meters from the company command post.
Suddenly a North Vietnamese Army Company (about 100 men), utilizing rocket-propelled grenades, small arms, and automatic weapons launched a determined attack from three sides against the outnumbered Marines, seriously wounding Kuklenski in both arms and legs.
Ignoring his painful injuries, he fearlessly crawled across the fire-swept terrain to reach wounded Marines and administer first aid. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting nearby, he assisted in moving the casualties to a covered position. As he treated the men, he collected their vitally needed ammunition and passed it along to those still fighting.
During the fire fight, which lasted more than 30 minutes before a relief force arrived, Petty Officer Kuklenski, oblivious to the pain of his wounds, refused treatment and resolutely continued to provide medical care to the numerous other casualties.
As reinforcements arrived, he assisted in moving the wounded to the landing zone before he accepted medical aid for himself and was then evacuated.
His superior professionalism and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving lives of several Marines.”
Of the 30 Marines in Kuklenski’s platoon, four were killed and 18 were wounded. He was hit in six places, couldn’t walk and had to crawl to treat the wounded, but never stopped.
This is the type of heroism that is needed to be awarded the Silver Star.
This story is just one of many that could be told about American Heroes on the battlefield.
For example, did you know that Dr. James Nicholson, who practiced medicine in Greenville and retired in Rockwall, was a young Marine who carried a BAR Rifle during the Korean War and earned the Silver Star for his bravery? Then he came back, went to medical school, and became a doctor serving our area for years.
Or how about Joe Lynch, father of Chris Lynch, our Election Administrator here in Rockwall County, and a resident of Rockwall. During the Vietnam War he was assigned as a side gunner on a Huey Helicopter. During a hot zone evacuation, he jumped out of the helicopter and ran under heavy enemy fire to pick up a wounded Soldier and carry him back for evacuation thereby saving his life. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions.
And there are many more spread through out our area. From Korea, thru Vietnam, to Iraq and Afghanistan, there are heroes.
Next time you see a person in uniform, you might say hello and thank them for what they do for all of us.
Jerry Hogan is a former Rockwall County Judge who is also a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel who can be reached at Jerryhogan@sbcglobal.net or 214-394-4033.
A Broad View by Jerry Hogan: Our area is full of military heroes! added by Melanie M on
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