MERCED — Congressman Adam Gray on June 22 presented Vietnam War veteran and Patterson native Sgt. Alan J. Frunz with the Purple Heart medal nearly six decades after he earned the honor for wounds sustained in combat.

Frunz, who served with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry, was wounded in 1968 during fighting near the Perfume River in Hue City. His unit, heavily outnumbered, was ordered to hold its position against thousands of North Vietnamese regulars. During the assault, Frunz was knocked unconscious for three hours by a grenade blast. After receiving treatment from a corpsman, he returned to combat later that same day.

Although the Army awarded Frunz the Purple Heart for his injuries, he did not receive official documentation until 2025 — and even then, only a certificate. At a Memorial Day ceremony in Patterson, he approached Gray’s district staff for help securing the medal itself.

Following outreach to the U.S. Army, Gray delivered the medal personally at Frunz’s Patterson home, where family and friends gathered for the presentation.

“On behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Congress, in recognition of the sacrifice you have made and devotion you have shown, please accept this medal — late as it is — with our thanks,” Gray told Frunz.

A member of the Frunz family thanked Gray for his efforts, saying the recognition “means more to our family than words can fully express.”

Gray encouraged veterans and residents of the 13th Congressional District who need assistance with federal agencies or military honors to contact his Merced district office at 209‑226‑6880 or visit gray.house.gov.