Story on Green Beret, Prisoner of War

In a front page story that appeared in the Manteca Bulletin on Sept. 16, reporter Jason Campbell identified Armando Cordoba as both a Green Beret and a Prisoner of War from his time served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. It was based on information provided at the time of printing. According to Cordoba, he received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star for his heroism in an escape from a prison camp in Cambodia.

That information now appears to be inaccurate. Information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act Request through the National Archives show that Cordoba did serve honorably in Vietnam – earning a National Defense Service Medal, a Combat Infantryman Badge, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 Overseas Bars and a Sharpshooter certification with the M14 Rifle.

It shows no awarding of a Purple Heart, Bronze Star or Silver Star, or shows a designation as either an Army Special Forces Soldier (Green Beret) or a Prisoner of War. A copy of his record of assignments verifies the information summarized in the report provided.

Attempts at obtaining records to verify his claims were unsuccessful.

We apologize for our misunderstanding of the facts in the story.

— Managing Editor Dennis Wyatt