Retired Trooper & Johnston High Grad Honored For Vietnam Service

JOHNSTON, RI—A retired state trooper was honored this week for his past military service in Vietnam. Specialist Richard Esposito received the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Bronze Star Attachment during a ceremony in Cong. Jim Langevin's Warwick office. Langevin also presented Esposito with the Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Expert Badge and Pistol Bar, Marksman Badge and Machine Gun Bar, Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. For his service during the Cold War, Esposito was also honored with a Certificate of Recognition. State police Col. Ann Assumpico and Michael Jolin, with the state veterans affairs, also presented Esposito with the medals.

Esposito was graduated from Johnston High and Roger Williams College. He also earned a master's degree in criminal justice from Salve. He was born in Washington, D.C.

In Vietnam, he was part of the 527th Military Police Company. According to Langevin's office, "his responsibilities included manning security posts, walking patrols, and escorting military convoys throughout the city of Saigon. In January 1968, at the onset of the Tet Offensive, Esposito’s unit was attacked by a company of Vietcong and North Vietnamese Army soldiers. The responding platoon was ambushed and after 10 hours of gunfire, reinforcements were sent to help Esposito and his comrades win the first of many battles."

But the Army never gave Esposito his service decorations after he left the military, so he asked Langevin for help.

“It’s wonderful to finally have these service medals years after I was in the U.S. Army, and I must thank Congressman Langevin for making this possible,” said Esposito. “My time in the service and as a Rhode Island State Police Detective is something I am extremely proud of, and these medals represent my hard work and love for this country.”

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