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Memorial Day is a time to remember the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Today’s brief story is to honor one of those men.

Alexander Peoples was born July 27, 1948. He was the son of Paul and Josephine Peoples. The family lived in Badin, where Peoples attended West Badin High School.

Peoples later served in the Army in Vietnam and was killed in action on Feb. 8, 1969.

On June 24, 1969, a ceremony was held at the home of his parents in Badin. The purpose was to recognize their son for the actions that led to his death.

According to the citation for the award, Sgt. Peoples and his men were under fire. Alone, he assaulted an emplacement. Even though he was outnumbered, he attempted to silence them and was fatally wounded. Peoples was posthumously being awarded the Silver Star because his “personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty” were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service in the United States Army.”

{Lewis Bramlett – Stanly County Historical Society}