Medal of Honor recipient laid to rest

HOUSTON On Saturday, Houston laid to rest a hero like very few who've lived. David McNerney was a man of few words. A Medal of Honor recipient for valor in Vietnam, he summarized his own exceptional service by saying only, "I was a professional soldier."

His heroism was detailed in a recent documentary called, 'Honor in the Valley of Tears,' in which fellow soldiers say he was selfless.

McNerney was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star for valor and two Oak leaf clusters and many other decorations. He served his country in the U.S. Navy, Army, and Customs Service.

Even in retirement, he volunteered with the Junior ROTC in Crosby and was a leader with the Crosby American Legion Post 658.

He was remembered Saturday for that life of service and was buried in Houston National Cemetery.

First Sergeant David McNerney died October 10 after a nine-month battle with lung cancer. He was 79 years old.