Linking different generations of military service is the spirit behind the Phelps Award, given annually by the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza.
The Phelps Award was designed by artist John Phelps, a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War. In 2003, John Phelps began working with the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza on this award, resulting in the creation of a scuplted replica of a Vietnam era battle helmet. The battle helmet is mounted on a handcrafted, green glass-block, inscribed with excerpts from Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam also engraved on the New York City Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza named their Honoree of the Year Award to recognize the service of John Phelps, and his son, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chance Russell Phelps. Chance was killed in action while conducting combat operations west of Baghdad on April 9th, 2004. He was 19 years old.
Honorees
2023 Phelps Award Recipients: John Catsimatidis and Gary Sinise
2022 Phelps Award Recipient Sandy Alderson
2021 Phelps Award Recipient Charles F. Bolden Jr.
2019 Phelps Award Recipient Paul W. “Buddy” Bucha
2018 Phelps Award Recipient Loree Sutton
2017 Phelps Award Recipient Kenneth Fisher
2016 Phelps Award Recipient General John M. Keane
2015 General David H. Petraeus
2014 Jan Scruggs
2013 CEO Tom Ridge
2012 General Peter Pace
2011 Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano
2010 Police Commissioner Ray Kelly
2009 Arnold Fisher
2008 Donald Trump
2007 Ed Koch
2006 David Bronner
