North Carolina Marine honored in Greensboro decades after Vietnam service

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- A North Carolina veteran is finally being laid to rest with full military honors, more than 50 years after serving in the Vietnam War.

A service for Raymond Dick was held Friday in Greensboro, recognizing both his military service and a long-overdue restoration of his veteran status.

Dick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at just 17 years old and volunteered for combat in Vietnam. After returning home, he said he faced racial discrimination while stationed at Camp Lejeune.

Following an incident in which Dick was attacked and injured, he was given a bad conduct discharge -- a ruling that stripped him of his veteran status and benefits.

Over five decades later, his case was taken up by the Military and Veterans Law Clinic at the University of North Carolina in 2023. The clinic was able to secure an upgrade to an honorable discharge, restoring full eligibility for veterans benefits.

UNC law professor John Brooker said the long delay reflects a lack of understanding during that era.

"Why it took 50 years, more so than a legal answer, is people did not understand mental health and its impact on behavior," Brooker said. "Raymond suffered from PTSD, and people didn't understand how that impacted veterans of that generation. There was also racism in society back when Raymond served."

Dick passed away in 2024 before seeing the outcome of his case. Still, advocates say the ruling restored his name and legacy and provided long-overdue benefits to his widow.

The full military honors at his service served as a final acknowledgment of his sacrifice and service -- one delayed, but not forgotten.

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