(Washington, DC) - On Monday, April 28, 2008, the post office in downtown Ferdinand will be renamed the “Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office.”  The ceremony comes after Congressman Baron Hill’s legislation to rename the post office in Ferdinand in honor of the town’s only Vietnam veteran to be killed in action, H.R. 3106, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and signed into law by the President. 

“This is a big day for Ferdinand and, particularly, the Nord family,” Hill said. “Post offices are typically named after public figures and political officials, but no one deserves this honor more than David Nord.”

Hill introduced H.R. 3106 on July 19, 2007, with support from the entire Indiana Congressional Delegation.  The idea to rename the Ferdinand Post Office came largely from Mr. Nord’s family and friends.  After contacting Hill, the Congressman drafted a bill and garnered support from his Indiana colleagues.  H.R. 3106 was then referred to the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  It was unanimously passed out of that Committee in early August. 

“I was proud to introduce this bill and very pleased it moved through the legislative process so quickly,” Hill said.  “David Nord’s friends and family have waited a long time for this.” 

Under H.R. 3106, the post office located at 805 Main Street in downtown Ferdinand will be renamed as the "Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office".  David Nord was the only Ferdinand native killed in Vietnam.  According to David’s younger brother, Dan Nord, when David was drafted into the Army he was not excited to go to war, but decided to give it his all.  David Nord rose quickly though Army ranks because of his hard work and skill.  On a short break from active duty, David returned home to Ferdinand and married his long-time girlfriend.  Tragically, he was killed on Monday, June 23, 1969, when the tank he was commanding had to stop because the rubber tracker which propelled the vehicle forward slipped from its drive wheels and David was hit by a grenade. David died instantly, along with most of his crew.  Just a few short months after his death, David’s son, David Nord II, was born.  A friend from Ferdinand who stationed in the same unit as David, Frank Begle, reflects on how David used to give starving Vietnamese women and children his Army rations.  Staff Sgt. David L. Nord was honored with the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnamese Campaign, Good Conduct Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar and Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.

H.R. 3106 was signed into law by President Bush on October 24, 2007.

WHO:   Congressman Baron Hill, family of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant David Nord, Mike     McInturf, Marketing Manager, Greater Indiana District, U.S. Postal Service; Brandan Brosmer, Ferdinand Postmaster; and interested members of the community.

WHAT:   The building housing the Ferdinand Post Office will be renamed the Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office.  The dedication ceremony will involve several aspects, including the presentation of the colors, invocation and remarks.

WHEN:   Monday, April 28, 2008, 11:00 a.m. (EDT). 

WHERE:   Ferdinand Community Center
1710 Community Drive
Ferdinand, IN.