SPARTZ ANNOUNCES LONG-OVERDUE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR INDIANA RANGERS
Noblesville, IN – U.S. Representative Victoria Spartz (IN-05) announced that Company D (Ranger), 151st Infantry Regiment of the Indiana Army National Guard - the legendary “Indiana Rangers”- will receive the Presidential Unit Citation for their extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War.
The recognition comes more than 50 years after the Indiana Rangers returned home from Vietnam in 1969. The unit was the only Army National Guard ground maneuver unit to serve in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and became one of the most decorated units of the war, earning hundreds of individual awards for valor and service.
“It has been a tremendous honor to help recognize these incredible Hoosier heroes,” said Rep. Spartz. “The Indiana Rangers demonstrated extraordinary courage under some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable. While their individual heroism was recognized many times over, recognition of the unit as a whole has been overdue since the Nixon era. More than half a century later, our nation is finally honoring what these brave men accomplished together.”
“The Indiana Rangers of the 151st Infantry Regiment set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire our force today,” said Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. “They lived the Warrior Ethos in the most unforgiving conditions, demonstrating a fierce loyalty to their brothers in arms and an unwavering commitment to the mission. We could not be prouder of this historic heroism. The Presidential Unit Citation is a testament to their grit, their sacrifice, and a legacy that will never be forgotten.”
The Presidential Unit Citation is the highest military decoration awarded to a unit for extraordinary heroism in combat. For the Indiana Rangers, the award recognizes not only individual acts of valor, but the extraordinary courage, teamwork, and sacrifice of the entire company.
Company D deployed to Vietnam in December 1968 and conducted hundreds of dangerous long-range reconnaissance missions, often operating deep in enemy-controlled territory. The Rangers returned to Indiana in November 1969, but for decades surviving members continued their efforts to secure appropriate recognition for the unit as a whole.
“Many of these heroes waited more than five decades for this day, and sadly, some did not live long enough to see it,” Spartz continued. “I am grateful to President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, Maj. Gen. Muennich, and everyone at the Indiana National Guard and Department of War who worked with us to finally make this long-overdue recognition a reality. Our nation must never forget the courage and sacrifice of these Hoosier heroes.”
The award will be given to the Indiana Rangers at the National Guard Association of the United States Conference & Exhibition in Indianapolis during the opening ceremony on August 29, 2026. Media must RSVP to Lauren Houck at lauren.a.houck.nfg@army.mil in order to receive media credentials.
