During the the opening session at APA's 2005 Annual Convention, psychologist and Army Bronze Star awardee Richard H.A. Blum, PhD, received another honor: a presidential citation from APA President Ronald F. Levant, EdD, for his work on post-traumatic stress disorder.

Blum was one of the Army's first combat psychologists, serving in the 212th Psychiatric Detachment during the Korean War. He was supposed to be awarded a Bronze Star for his efforts in diagnosing and treating combat-related psychiatric casualties, but a paperwork mix-up delayed the award for more than 53 years. Blum finally received the Bronze Star in January.

"Over the years, Dr. Blum continued to break new ground with a far-reaching career of research, teaching and service that encompassed treatment and prevention of substance abuse, criminal behavior, patient satisfaction, women's health and other areas," Levant said. Blum thanked APA for the award and for the decades of "collegiality and diverse opportunities" that his psychology career had afforded him.

Levant also honored Joseph E. Biron, PhD, for his work as a combat psychologist in Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq. Biron has also been awarded a Bronze Star.

"While forward deployed, he was exposed to direct hostile fire on multiple occasions and never hesitated to place himself in harm's way to complete the mission," Levant said.

Biron thanked APA for the honor, and said that he accepted on behalf of all psychologists who have dedicated their lives to serving military personnel.