Post Office Renamed After Vietnam Vet

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A war hero from Taft is receiving a posthumous honor from the federal government.

Today, the U.S. Post office on North St. was renamed in honor of Army Staff Sergeant Larry Pierce.

As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, community leaders paid a very special tribute to the only Kern County soldier to earn the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War.

43 years ago, Staff Sergeant Larry Pierce made the ultimate sacrifice when he threw his body over a mine to save his fellow soliders.

Now congressman Kevin McCarthy and other community leaders want everyone who walks into this post office to remember Pierce's heroic act.

Congress voted to pass legislation to rename the federal building on North St. the "Larry S. Pierce Post Office" and President Bush signed that bill into law.

Pierce's daughter attended the ceremony today. She was only 5 yrs. old when he died.

"My family is honored. The city did a beautiful job, they went all out," said daughter Teresa Hitchcock.

Community members who have been pushing to get the post office dedicated to the Vietnam vet say this is the perfect way to remember Pierce's bravery and courage.

Today was also named Larry Pierce day in Taft.

People in that community hope his courage will be remembered and everyone will take time to honor veterans this Fourth of July.

Source: Taft Post Office renamed in honor of Vietnam vet | KGET TV 17