IHA’s Made with Love club members crafted several hand-made cards for a very special veteran this Spring—retired Colonel Paris Davis who just received the Medal of Honor after nearly six decades of delays.
Ms. Ellen Donoghue’76, IHA guidance counselor and Made with Love moderator, saw a report about Col. Davis on CBS News in early March. Through the news segment in which Col. Davis appeared with his daughter, Regan Davis Hopper, Ms. Donoghue learned that the retired colonel, one of the first African American officers in the elite U.S. Army Green Berets, was finally receiving the Medal of Honor after his nomination for the nation’s highest combat declaration mysteriously disappeared twice at the height of the Civil Rights movement. She made it her mission to have the IHA Made with Love students share with Col. Davis their appreciation and congratulatory wishes through handmade cards.
Ms. Donoghue’s journey to finding Col. Davis and/or where he was located was not an easy one; she contacted CBS; his daughter; a tax office in Alexandria, Virginia; various American Legions; the Congressional Office; a congressman’s office; and even the White House! She was finally connected with Jim Glassman, past American Legion District 17 Commander and Vietnam veteran, who located Col. Davis in Alexandria and personally delivered the Made with Love cards in mid-April. He presented the cards with Henry Dorton, past Post 24 Commander, and Steve Hunter, current District 17 Commander. The veterans visited with Col. Davis for more than an hour exchanging stories.
“When I explained who I was and why we were there for the visit, he was very surprised that your students took the time to send him the letters,” Jim said to Ms. Donoghue. “I am so glad that I was able to help and please thank your students for me as well. It is so nice that they took the time thank a hero!”
The Medal of Honor recognizes Col. Davis’ heroism, as he saved the lives of two of his soldiers at a battle in Vietnam. He was first nominated by his commanding officer, but the paperwork vanished. A 1969 military review also did not show any file on then-Major Davis. The CBS News team and various other volunteers worked to revive his case and made it possible for him to receive the well-earned Medal of Honor at the White House in March 2023. The nomination was recommended by senior defense officials and ultimately approved by President Joe Biden, who personally called Col. Davis.
CBS News ongoing reporting helped push the case forward and keep it in front of decision-makers, bringing new information to light. Col. Davis even received a new uniform for the ceremony. He is one of just sixty-five living Medal of Honor recipients. In addition to the award, he received a new pension backdated to 1965. Col. Davis told CBS News he remains grateful for his Army family and the doors that were opened to him.
From left to right in the group photo are Henry Dorton, past Post 24 Commander; Col. Paris Davis, Medal of Honor recipient; Jim Glassman, past American Legion District 17 Commander; and Steve Hunter, current District 17 Commander. Photos courtesy of Jeanne Theismann.