Clemson resident Bill Funchess was awarded the Order of the Palmetto during a Veterans Day event in Liberty on Sunday.

And while the award is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, it seems it is the least the state could do for a true American hero who has sacrificed so much and demonstrated such courage in service to his country.

State Rep. Davey Hiott, one of the presenters of the award, even said as much, calling the opportunity to give the award to Mr. Funchess “an extreme honor and a privilege.”

And we agree.

Now 90, he was U.S. Army 1st Lt. Bill Funchess when he was captured by

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