The Michigan Woodcarvers presented veteran Richard J. Francis from Roseville a cane carved in recognition of his service in U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War era. Francis, who was a machine gunner, received the Purple Heart Thin Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Ribbon and the U.S. Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Francis participated in the last official battle of the Vietnam War known as the “Mayaguez Incident” which took place May 12-15, 1975. Francis was among the military forces that responded to Communist guerrillas from the Khmer Rouge that seized the American merchant vessel, the SS Mayaguez. Francis said that he would like to recognize three of his fellow Marines who did not make it home: Lance Cpl. Joseph Hargrove, Pvt. Danny Marshall and Pfc. Gary Hall. (Photo by Mike Nicley)
