Legendary 'Indiana Rangers' receive Presidential Unit Citation, Sagamore of the Wabash for Vietnam War heroism

More than five decades after returning home from Vietnam, the legendary “Indiana Rangers” received two of the highest honors bestowed for military service and service to the state of Indiana.

Company D (Ranger), 151st Infantry Regiment of the Indiana Army National Guard – widely revered as the "Indiana Rangers"— were formally awarded the Presidential Unit Citation at the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) conference. The prestigious award recognizes the unit’s extraordinary heroism, combat service, and immense sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Governor Mike Braun also honored the Indiana Rangers with a group Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest honors, recognizing the unit’s extraordinary service, courage and enduring legacy to the state.

“For more than 50 years, the Indiana Rangers have carried with them a legacy of courage, sacrifice and service that every Hoosier should be proud of,” said Gov. Braun. “These men answered our nation’s call, fought with extraordinary bravery in Vietnam and came home as one of the most decorated units of the war. Today, we are making sure their service receives the recognition it deserves. It is my honor to award the Indiana Rangers the Sagamore of the Wabash as they receive the Presidential Unit Citation they earned more than half a century ago.”

The recognition arrives more than 50 years after the Indiana Rangers returned home in 1969. The unit holds the unique historic distinction of being the only Army National Guard ground maneuver unit to serve in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. It subsequently became one of the most decorated units of the conflict, earning hundreds of individual awards for valor and service.

“Today is an extraordinary and historic day for the Indiana National Guard. After more than five decades, we have the privilege of presenting our Indiana Rangers with the Presidential Unit Citation they earned for their service in Vietnam,” said Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Indiana’s Adjutant General. “This is more than an award – it is a long-overdue recognition of courage and dedication to these Hoosier Soldiers. It is an honor to stand alongside them and their families as we ensure their legacy is remembered.”

 “The extraordinary heroism of the Indiana Rangers is a testament to the enduring legacy of our National Guard,” Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, said. “Through the grueling jungles of Southeast Asia, these elite warfighters answered the Nation’s call, demonstrating the highest standards of courage, grit, and lethality. They proved what it means to be ‘Always Ready, Always There.’ We are proud to honor their historic achievements with the Presidential Unit Citation today-their valor remains an inspiration for the entire Joint Force as we stand Stronger Together, Stronger Tomorrow.”

The Sagamore of the Wabash is the highest honor the Governor can bestow on Hoosiers who have displayed extraordinary leadership, service, and excellence for the state of Indiana. The Indiana Rangers were granted the Sagamore in addition to the Presidential Unit Citation, which is the highest military decoration awarded to a unit for extraordinary heroism in combat against an armed enemy. For the Indiana Rangers, the citation recognizes the collective courage, teamwork, and sacrifice of the entire company, extending beyond their numerous individual acts of valor.

Deployed to Vietnam in December 1968, Company D conducted hundreds of dangerous long-range reconnaissance missions. The unit frequently operated deep within enemy-controlled territory under the most grueling conditions before returning to Indiana in November 1969. For decades, surviving members of the unit have tirelessly advocated secure appropriate recognition for the company as a whole.

The presentation included remarks from Governor Mike Braun, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Steve Nordhaus, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Christpher LeNeve, Indiana’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, and U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz.