Obama honors Lockport man for his heroism in Vietnam War

President Obama shook the hand of Lockport resident Francis "Bud" Smolich recently at the White House, honoring the veteran and his Army unit for heroism during the Vietnam War.

In a Rose Garden ceremony, Smolich stood behind Obama as the president honored Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Alpha Troop was given a Presidential Unit Citation for heroism on March 26, 1970, when the troop rescued another Army unit.

Smolich, who was a sergeant in Alpha Troop during the rescue, shook the president's hand twice, he said.

"We were running a little bit late because the president was in a meeting in the Oval Office," Smolich said. "But once we got started, there were 11 of us who were up on the stage with him. He came out, and we were just a couple of feet behind him as he gave his speech to the rest of the crowd, the TV stations and that.

"I was fortunate enough that he came out and shook my hand and went on down the line," Smolich said. "And after he was done, he came back again.

"He put his arm around me, and it was very exciting," Smolich said.

Also, Alpha Troop traveled to the Pentagon for a ceremony in which Smolich and others shook the hand of retired Army Capt. John Poindexter, who led the unit in the rescue.

Smolich received a ribbon for his Presidential Unit Citation.