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Craig Howell
Weirton Mayor Dean Harris issued a proclamation during Monday’s meeting of Weirton Council recognizing the military service of Weirton resident Richard D. Blanc. A 1966 graduate of Weir High School, Blanc began his career at Weirton Steel before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, two months after marrying Karen Watson. He completed basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before serving in Vietnam from October 1968 to October 1969. Blanc attained the rank of sergeant while serving with D Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. During his military service, he earned two Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, and Expert Rifle and Sharpshooter badges. He was honorably discharged in May 1970. Pictured, from left, are Blanc, Councilman Tim Connell and Harris. City Manager Mike Adams and Councilman Rick Stead are pictured in the background.