WASHINGTON - A group of Vietnam veterans spoke with ABC 7 News Tuesday night, just hours after they were honored by the White House.

The group received the Presidential Unit Citation -- the highest award given by the president. Their heroic actions took place when they were outnumbered and outgunned deep in the jungle. They're now speaking about those unforgettable moments nearly 40 years later.

For the men of one of the fiercest combat units in the U.S. military, it was a night to remember. It's a different night most would like to forget.

"I think about it almost never because to do so it was too painful a process," said Ret. Captain John Poindexter.

In March 1970, the Alpha Troop First Squadron volunteered to rescue another unit that had stumbled onto a massive underground enemy bunker in North Vietnam.

"That's what we did. There was another American unit in trouble. We were there to help bail them out," said Peter Cavieux of the Alpha Troop First Squadron.

It was a vicious and bloody battle that was almost all but forgotten until now. In a rose garden ceremony, the Alpha Troop received the military's highest unit honor.

"It was terribly emotional. I had to fight back tears all afternoon long," said John Sorich of the Alpha Troop First Squadron.

"Old Pete -- schlubby Pete from Queens gets to see the president of the United States? I mean, that was an incredible experience," said Cavieux.

"Standing on that stage -- waiting for the president to come out and he shook our hands -- chills just went down my spine," said Ronald Vaughan of the Alpha Troop First Squadron.

"One of the saddest episodes in American history was that these vets were often shunned and neglected -- even demonized -- when they came home," the president said. "And on days such as this, we resolve never to let it happen again."

And the men who fought in what had been known as "The Anonymous Battle" will never remain anonymous again.

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