Fayetteville man's fight to recognize injured military contractor results in Defense of Freedom medal
Phillip “Doc” Gonzales watched as his friend Billy Johnson was recognized last month with the Defense of Freedom medal.The award, known as the “civilian Purple Heart,” was presented to Johnson for injuries he received in Iraq more than a decade ago.The April 8 ceremony in Tennessee was a long time coming.And Gonzales, a retired Special Forces soldier, played a key role in ensuring his friend was recognized.Gonzales, 71, met […]
