Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

FORT CARSON, COLO. -- The Mountain Post held a first-of-its-kind ceremony Thursday honoring a first-of-its-kind gesture.

A Medal of Honor Dedication Ceremony took place honoring the wishes of First Sgt. David McNerney, who wanted his medal returned to the 4th Infantry Division.

McNerney was a member of the 4th ID during the Vietnam War.

He was awarded the medal after displaying heroic actions during the war on March 22, 1967.

McNerney took command of his compan y during an attack in which all of the officers were killed or wounded.

"They were jumped by the NVA, the North Vietnamese Army, and they were badly outnumbered," Capt. (ret.) Richard McNerney, David's brother, said.

McNerney was injured during the fight but still managed to organize the unit's defense and exposed himself to enemy fire to mark and clear a helicopter landing site.

He also assaulted and destroyed an enemy machine gun position that had pinned down five of his comrades.

McNerney refused to evacuate until a new commander arrived the next day.

For his actions he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon Johnson Sept. 19, 1968.

"You have to be extremely lucky to win the Medal of Honor because there are lots of people out there trying to shoot you, and for some reason they couldn't hit him that day," said Richard McNerney.

Thursday, friends, family, and surviving members of his company gathered at the Mountain Post to dedicate and donate his medal.

"First Sergeant McNerney thought that he had earned that medal on behalf of the members of Company A and kept the connection with the 4th ID and so upon his passing he wanted that medal and his flag to return back to the men of the 4th ID," said Brigadier General James Doty, Jr.

Fort Carson officials said they believe this is the first time a request like this has ever been made.

The medal was passed to each of the members of his company and then presented to the current First Sgt. of Alpha Company.

It will be permanently displayed in the Fort Carson Historical Center which is open to the public.