3 Youngstown-area vets inducted into Hall of Fame for Valor

By MARC KOVAC

news@vindy.com

COLUMBUS — On Friday, Kenneth J. David was sitting on a chair outside the Ohio Statehouse, alongside 20 others being honored for military bravery.

But 40 years ago to the day, Pfc. David was alone and pinned down by enemy fire in Vietnam.

The radio-telephone operator “bitterly resisted” and defended the perimeter, stopping attempts to overrun his position.

He shouted to attract enemy fire away from others.

Even after he was wounded and running low on ammunition, he tossed hand grenades, carried a wounded comrade to safety and returned to fight until the enemy fled.

On Friday, on the anniversary of that day, David of Niles found himself in Columbus, alongside one of the men whose life he saved.

“If it wasn’t for this guy here, I wouldn’t be here,” Stephen Avgerinos said of David’s actions.

David was one of three Youngstown-area veterans who were inducted Friday into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor, which annually honors Ohioans who have received military medals for bravery in combat.

Among the other honorees were the late Richard L. Powell and James H. Brahney of Youngstown.

Powell’s sister, Pattie Scoville, and Brahney’s widow, Carolyn, accepted the honorary medals on their husbands’ behalf.

For the full story, read Saturday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.