Troy man receives Governor’s Veteran Commendation

Troy’s Jerry Erickson served his country while a member of the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War and he never stopped.

“When I came home, my parents told me I also need to serve my community and that’s what I’ve been doing since,” Erickson said following a ceremony Wednesday afternoon in Roosevelt Park.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte presented Erickson and Fortine’s Thomas Bianco with the Governor’s Veteran Commendation at the flagpole in Roosevelt Park.

Erickson, a Troy High School graduate in 1967, said he was honored with the recognition.

“I’ve never had much to say about such things, but this means a lot,” Erickson said.

Erickson joined the Army in 1968. His older brother John also served in Vietnam with an engineering battalion. 

According to 1969 story in The Western News, Erickson received the Bronze Star Medal with V device for heroism displayed in military operations with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam on June 6, 1969.

Sp-4 Erickson distinguished himself while serving with the 3rd Battalion of Company E while under massive mortar and ground attack in a defensive position.

According to the citation that accompanied the award, “Specialist Erickson, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved through intense enemy fire, resupplying the mortar crews with illuminating rounds. He then began filling magazine with ammunition to resupply the men who were defending the perimeter.

“The valor of Erickson’s actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission, while the bravery and aggressiveness he displayed were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect upon him in good credit.”

According to the story, Erickson’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Erickson, received a bigger surprise later on the day they received Jerry’s award. They found out he had been released from duty after 11 months of service, returned to the U.S. and arrived home for a 30-day leave. His family wasn’t expecting him for another two months.

“While we can never fully repay them, we can say thank you to our veterans who served our country in uniform and continue to serve their communities – that’s what the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation is all about,” Gov. Gianforte said in a press release last year. “I look forward to meeting with each of these 36 veterans in their communities to honor their lives of service and say thank you.”

Relying on nominations from Montanans, the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community.

Thirty-one veterans received the award in 2021 and 51 received the award in 2022.

The 36 recipients of the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation were honored this year with an award ceremony and receive a special commemorative flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor. 

    Fortine's Thomas Bianco listens as Gov. Greg Gianforte presents the Governor’s Veteran Commendation Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Roosevelt Park. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)