Michigan’s Lt. Col. Charles Kettles Receives Medal of Honor [VIDEO]

Way to make Michigan proud, Chuck!

Retired Army Lt. Colonel Chuck Kettles, who was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam war, is credited with saving 44 soldiers' lives under heavy fire. He volunteered to bring reinforcements to a brigade that was being cornered by North Vietnamese forces in May of 1967.

He was presented the medal by President Obama at the White House yesterday.

Kettles, who is from Ypsilanti, made four attempts to land while under fire, and returned later in the day to rescue 40 soldiers and 4 of his own crew members. He even came back to help 8 more soldiers, who couldn't reach the helicopter in time. His superiors said that he displayed a "complete disregard for his own safety."

"Without his courageous actions and superior flying skills, the last group of soldiers and his crew would never have made it off the battlefield."

After serving in Japan, Korea and Thailand, Kettles went on to start the aviation program Eastern Michigan University's College of Technology, and he also worked for Chrysler.

My only question is, why did it take so long for him to receive this award? Either way, what a story! You make us proud!