Staff report

GIRARD — Pittsburg Avenue in Girard has officially been named “Kenneth David Medal of Honor Boulevard” for a local Vietnam veteran who has received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Girard officials honored Ken David at a special ceremony Monday near the street.

Following the ceremony, the street sign was unveiled.

Mayor Mark Zuppo said David through his military service “showed true heroism, resilience and greatness.”

He said David grew up and lived on Pittsburg Avenue, which is next to the Girard City Cemetery.

Former President Joseph Biden in January awarded David the Medal of Honor, which is the nation’s highest military decoration.

A former radio-telephone operator with the 101st Airborne Division, David distinguished himself on May 7, 1970, near Fire Support Base Maureen in Vietnam. During an intense enemy attack, then a private first class, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to draw attention away from wounded comrades and allow for their evacuation. His actions are credited with saving 13 lives that day, though seven members of his company died.