Rep. Mark Alford, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 4th District | Official Website
Rep. Mark Alford, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 4th District | Official Website
Rep. Mark Alford, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 4th district since 2023, announced on November 11, 2025, the introduction of legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam–Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), including a posthumous honor for Don Wolken of Lebanon, Missouri.
In his post at 20:33 UTC on November 11, Alford stated: " We're proud to introduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the heroes of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam–Studies and Observations Group, including posthumously to Don Wolken of Lebanon, MO, who led one of these elite units." He also expressed gratitude towards his legislative partners in a subsequent tweet at 20:33 UTC: "Thank you to @SenTedBuddNC, @RepRonnyJackson, @RepCarbajal, and @SenBlumenthal for your partnership."
The announcement was made through Alford's official social media account earlier that evening with an initial post at 20:31 UTC containing only a link: "https://t.co/Jd0lvcCCxj".
Mark Alford succeeded Vicky Hartzler as representative for Missouri’s 4th district in 2023. Born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and currently residing in Lake Winnebago, Alford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin (1988).
The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors awarded by Congress. The MACV-SOG was a covert special operations unit during the Vietnam War known for its hazardous missions behind enemy lines.
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