By Associated Press
Huntsville, AL – A Vietnam hero will be posthumously awarded the 2008 Audie Murphy Patriotism Award at the annual Spirit of America Festival in Decatur.
Army Captain Joe Hooper, a Medal of Honor recipient, was killed in combat in February 1968. Hooper, who served with the 101st Airborne Division, also was awarded two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars and eight Purple Hearts.
Hooper's widow, Faye Hooper of Decatur, will accept the award at a ceremony Friday evening at Point Mallard Park.
4th of July activities at the park start at 9 a.m.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)