sentences:  He was nominated for the Medal of Honor three separate times over a 13-month period but received lesser medals for the first two nominations, which were for actions performed in Cambodia where the U.S. was fighting covertly.He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on December 30, 1968, his third nomination.He retired from the US Army after 36 years of service as a full colonel, and the most highly decorated service member on active duty.