MG Nelson Lacy, John Temple Ligon, LTC W. Thomas Smith Jr., BG Gene Rogers, & MG Eli Wishart Columbia Star Business Editor John Temple Ligon was recognized by the South Carolina Military Department (SCMD) for his "service to country" at a luncheon in his honor at the Summit Club.

A decorated combat veteran and key supporter of the National Medal of Honor Convention (to be held next year in Charleston), Ligon was presented a letter of commendation signed by four general- officers, including Maj. Gen. Stanhope S. Spears, adjutant general of S.C.

Ligon - a former U.S. Army Ranger and paratrooper - served in Vietnam as an artillery officer (specifically, a forward observer detached to the infantry) with the 2/27 Wolfhounds and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. His combat service earned him five Bronze Stars, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with bronze star), and the Combat Infantryman's Badge, normally reserved for infantry officers.

During wartime officer evaluation proceedings, it was reported that "1st Lt. Ligon [though a lieutenant of artillery] was on several occasions, designated acting [infantry] company commander in combat during the absence of the infantry commander [a captain], despite the presence of other infantry lieutenants." He also was described by at least two superior officers as "exceptionally sure of himself," and "one of the most forceful and dynamic individuals I have seen in the Army."

"Temple is a fearless warrior, a tireless journalist and an intellectual genius," said convention project chairman Brig. Gen. Eugene F. Rogers ( Joint Services Detachment, SCMD).

Maj. Gen. F. Eli Wishart, former commander of the S.C. State Guard (SCSG), called Ligon "a military hero," adding, "The more I find out about him, the more impressed I am."

Presenting the award, Lt. Col. W. Thomas Smith Jr. (JSD) noted that, beyond his military service, Ligon has been "an outspoken champion of soldiers and veterans, shedding light on soldier- challenges and combat- realities [for the past 36 years]," and is frequently quoted on the subject in books, newspapers, and magazines.

Each week on his WIS 1320 am NewsTalk radio program, "The Sunday Temple Times," Ligon tells sto- ries of America's living Medal of Honor recipients, and regularly promotes the 2010 Medal of Honor Convention to be hosted by the SCSG Foundation and the Citadel.

"Temple has been supporting the State Guard for at least 10 or 15 years," said Maj. Gen. Nelson Lacy, SCSG commander. "He has been a true friend to all of us."

Accepting the award, Ligon said, "Thank you very much. I am going to say that one more time: Thank you very much, because in every war and every skirmish, no matter how popular or unpopular, how legitimate or illegitimate, when they come home, that's what we need to do, be sure we say thank you."

Gene Retske, an author

and journalist, is a captain

in the SCSG. He resides in

Ballentine.