– Army 1st Sgt. William R. Johnson almost single-handedly drove his company through a hailstorm of enemy fire in a desperate push through northern France. For his bravery, the World War II veteran was awarded the Bronze Star. Sixty-five years later, the French government recognized his bravoure , too. On Tuesday, Consul General Pierre Grandjouan presented Johnson, 89, that nation's highest honor for meritorious service to the country: the French Legion of Honor medal. The decoration was designed by Napoleon himself in 1802. In a letter to Johnson, Pierre Vimont, the French ambassador to the U.S., said the award of "chevalier" – the French equivalent of "knight" – speaks of his country's gratitude "for your personal, precious contribution to the United States' decisive role in the liberation of our country during World War II." Johnson, 24 at the time and freshly married, led his men in combat near Ottenville et Recrange, near the fortress city of Metz, which their 95th Infantry Division had taken a few days before. Mortars fell like hailstones, and the heavy machine guns in two German pillboxes cut down anything that moved. Staying put wasn't an option. So Johnson rallied his men forward toward their objective, pushing them and ultimately breaking through. Days later, the men of the 95th fought across the Saar River, gateway to Nazi Germany. In 2004, France began honoring World War II American soldiers whose medals proved their bravery. More than 800 have been recognized in the past five years. Previously, the military medal was given only to World War I veterans. "The Legion of Honor is the oldest and highest honor we have," Grandjouan said at Tuesday's ceremony, attended by family members, friends and neighbors at the Atria Richardson Senior Living Center. "We don't give it easily – to heads of state, very prominent people and a few soldiers who helped our country during the wars. "This might seem a long time coming – 65 years – but it is a mark of the gratitude we have for you. ... The time you spent in Europe helping us, it was extremely important, and we want to thank you for that." Johnson's children portrayed their father as a man of strong faith and dedication, with a keen sense of honor. Given an objective, he'd do everything in his power to achieve it. An Alabama farm boy from a little town called Choccolocco, Johnson decided early that the farm life wasn't for him. An older sister had married and moved to Port Arthur, and he followed her there, ultimately meeting his wife, Marion, in the Texas coastal town. With war looming, no one would give him a job – "You're going to get drafted in a couple of months anyway," employers told him. So he enlisted in the Army in September 1941, married Marion in 1944 and, like hundreds of thousands of other young men, soon found himself fighting across France, selflessly and heroically. Ross Perot spoke quietly with Johnson before Tuesday's ceremony and honored him as it ended. "I've had the pleasure of knowing many of our great national heroes," Perot said, "but none are more deserving of that title than this man." After quoting Abraham Lincoln – "Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure" – Perot led the crowd of 60 or so in a cheer. "I'll say 'hip-hip' and you say 'hooray,' and when I say it the third time, you blow the roof off," Perot said. They certainly did their best. Last to speak was the honoree, a man of few words who did exactly as his son, Tim, predicted: "He probably won't say much." But Johnson, who shows the lingering effects of a stroke in 2000, was clearly touched by the attention. "This came as quite a surprise to me after so many years," he said, pausing, then pointing to Consul General Grandjouan. "This man here, I give him credit for everything." FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR RECIPIENTS: FROM GENERALS TO INVENTORS As a recipient of the French Legion of Honor, William R. Johnson is in good company. Notable military recipients Louis Alexandre Berthier –Napoleon's chief of staff Omar Bradley –U.S. Army chief of staff Wesley Clark –NATO supreme allied commander Philip Kearny –U.S. Civil War general Douglas MacArthur –U.S Army general George C. Marshall –U.S. Army chief of staff Lord Mountbatten –Last viceroy of India Chester W. Nimitz –Commander of U.S. Pacific Navy George S. Patton –U.S. Army commander John J. Pershing –General of the Armies of the United States Comte de Rochambeau –French hero of the American Revolution Alvin York –Highly decorated World War I veteran Notable nonmilitary recipients Josephine Baker –Dancer Alexander Graham Bell –Inventor Charlie Chaplin –Actor Julia Child –Chef Jacques Cousteau –Oceanographer Robert De Niro –Actor Thomas Edison –Inventor Duke Ellington –Jazz composer Alan Greenspan –Federal Reserve chairman Jerry Lewis –Comic actor Charles Lindbergh –Aviator Gina Lollobrigida –Actress George McGovern –Politician Simon Wiesenthal –Nazi hunter
WWII vet receives medals 60 years later By Pete Kendall/reporter@trcle.com It took a while, but Acton resident Robert Berry, 84, finally received the medals and awards earned for his service in the Pacific while serving in the Navy during World War II. U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, presented the long-delayed awards to Berry on Wednesday in Edwards’ Cleburne office. “Thank you for all your effort because I’d just about give up,” Berry told Edwards. Berry’s wife of 56 years, Betty Berry, looked on as Berry received his medals. Berry’s daughter, Robbie Rushing, and son-in-law, Dorsey Rushing, also attended the event. Berry received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal, a Discharge Button and an Honorable Service Lapel pin, also known as a Ruptured Duck. Edwards also presented Berry with an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. Berry joked that the Good Conduct Medal award must have been a mistake on the Navy’s part. Berry served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946. Before receiving his medals, Berry reminisced about his older brother, who also served in World War II, and his younger brother, who served in the Korean War. Berry said when he signed up for the Navy, they shipped him off before he had the chance to say goodbye to his family. “I know you’re a patient man because you’ve waited 63 years for these medals you deserve,” Edwards said. Berry said he realized he had several medals coming after his discharge that he, “just never got around to picking up.” Betty Berry asked why he waited. “Well, I was too busy making a living to support you,” Berry said. He said he actively began attempts to procure his medals in 2007, thanks to his daughter. “Mom and dad had lived in Midland for years, and they moved down here,” said Robbie Rushing. “In the Midland house dad had a room we called his office. When they moved here, I thought it might be nice to go with a different theme for his office, and thought of his naval stuff, but couldn’t find any medals.” Rushing said she researched and found that her father had several medals he never bothered to pick up. The family contacted Edwards’ office for help, Rushing said, after encountering bureaucratic roadblocks in their efforts to secure the medals. “Thank you, Mr. Berry,” Edwards said. “As the father of two little boys, I know our world would not be what it is if not for you and your generation. One of the greatest privileges in my life is the honor of presenting our World War II vets with the medals they earned over a half a century ago.”
Two World War II veterans in Santa Rosa County — who waited more than 50 years to receive the recognition they earned — displayed the humility Thursday emblematic of "The Greatest Generation." Leon Hinote, 88, and Floyd Enfinger, 87, each received long-overdue service awards due to them for their wartime service Thursday from U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla. "I feel like I don't deserve them. So many of my buddies are still over there. They didn't make it," said Hinote, a former Milton city councilman and Santa Rosa County sheriff who now lives at Forsyth House retirement home in Milton. "They're the heroes. We should recognize them." Hinote served in the 1444 Ordnance/Supply and Maintenance Company of the Army Air Corps 9th Air Force which was part of D-Day on June 6, 1944. He received seven medals and commendations Thursday, including the Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar. Enfinger, who lives in Pace, was similarly modest. "I'm so thankful to the good Lord that I am here today. It was serious times back then," Enfinger said. "I'm kind of at a loss. There are other people who are certainly worthy and entitled to the medals more than I am. My brother gave his life at the Battle of the Bulge in 1945." Enfinger, who served in the Pacific Ocean, retired as a chief with a rating of gunner's mate in 1960. He received 14 designations Thursday, including the National Defense Medal. Miller said Hinote's unrecognized service performance came to his attention when he was bestowing honors on another Forsyth House resident. Enfinger's was uncovered when he came to Miller's office in search of veterans benefits.
Kenneth A. "Jake" Harshfield went home from World War II 63 years ago, having fought in the Pacific aboard the battleship USS Tennessee. What he didn't come home with, though, were the medals he won for his service but was never presented. That changed yesterday when the 82-year-old U.S. Navy veteran was finally presented with more than a half-dozen medals and ribbons due him, including two Bronze Stars. According to U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth's office, honors earned during World War II sometimes never made it to their recipients as the government struggled to return thousands upon thousands of servicemen to their homes when their tours of duty ended. That's what happened to Harshfield, whose family inquired about his medals after learning that Yarmuth, D-3rd District, had helped find lost medals for another World War II veteran, and presented them to him last October. According to Yarmuth's office, Harshfield dropped out of Valley High School at age 16 to enter the Navy. After having fought in the Pacific Theater, including the battles to take the Japanese stronghold of Iwo Jima, Harshfield was given an honorable discharge in 1946. Yesterday, Yarmuth presented Harshfield, who is retired from the Kosmos Portland Cement Co., with his medals at the Okolona AMVETS hall: the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific campaign Medal, 2 Bronze Stars, Navy Occupation Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
4/18/2009 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- On behalf of her husband, Mrs. William Norred received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor from Lt. Gen. Allen Peck, Air University commander, before a group of family members, friends and well wishers April 13. The ceremony took place at the Butler County Commission in Greenville, Ala., and the DFC was presented for Capt. William Norred's actions during World War II. General Peck told Mrs. Norred the DFC is "not given lightly," and a correction to military records is a "significant event." In December 2008 the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records reviewed the evidence and corrected Captain Norred's records by directing he be awarded the DFC. "This ceremony represents justice delayed, but justice done," General Peck told Mrs. Norred. "It's an honor for me to be sure this is done right. Captain Norred follows in the footsteps of Charles Lindbergh, who was the first to receive the DFC, the Wright Brothers and those who have served with valor in combat." He told the audience Captain Norred, who died in August 2008, exemplified Air Force Core Values, and the general also thanked a group of school children for attending. "It's great to see youngsters here today," he said. "We are losing our World War II veterans at the rate of about 1,000 each day, so I'm glad you could make it to this ceremony." Mrs. Norred described the event as an "emotional time" for her. She said she really appreciated General Peck coming to Greenville to make the presentation and knew her husband would have appreciated it as well. "I know my husband is looking down, a little embarrassed perhaps, but pleased with this," she said. "I can only think of two words to say, thank you." Butler County Commissioner, Jesse McWilliams, speaking for the commission, said he was truly honored to be at the ceremony, and, for him, there was also a personal reason. "I grew up across the road from the Norreds," he said. "Mr. Norred was a good man his whole life, and in his last days, he was a class act." Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon said he, too, was honored to take part in the DFC presentation because this was, "a wonderful family and a wonderful occasion." "We would not be here today if not for people like Mr. Norred," he said. "We would not have the freedom we enjoy." Also in attendance was the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs commissioner, retired Navy Admiral Clyde Marsh. Describing Captain Norred as, "A hero who has flown into the sun for the last time," he said there was no where else he would want to be than at the ceremony. "It is men like him who have paved the way for us," he said. "I salute Captain Norred who made the crucial effort to make our country safe, and I salute you the family for believing in him as a husband and a father. He was the embodiment of courage and honor and is a great American who will not be forgotten." The citation that accompanied the DFC said Captain Norred distinguished himself by heroism and outstanding professional skills during an aerial flight as a B-26 Marauder pilot in the African Theater, June 15, 1943. It said he "contributed singularly" to the success of his group as flight leader and formation commander. During the mission over Rizzo Airdrome, Sicily, the captain's plane was damaged by intense anti-aircraft fire, but he "masterfully" kept the B-26 under control, led the formation through evasive actions and completed a "devastating" bombing run. Captain Norred's unescorted aircraft was then attacked by 12 enemy fighters. He was able to outmaneuver the fighters, five of which were destroyed. "On this and many other missions his resolute leadership and skilled flying technique have reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Corps," the citation said of Captain Norred.
WWII VETERAN AWARDED LONG OVERDUE BRONZE STAR MEDAL Posted at 04:30 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 by Wisconsin VFW News Garret B. Yunto, 81, a life member of Bentley-Hull VFW Post 6709 in Waupun, was presented the long overdue Bronze Star Medal for his actions while serving with the United States Army's 38th Division in the Pacific Theater of Operations in WWII, more than 60 years ago. A farm boy growing up in rural Waupun, Mr. Yunto received his draft notice, and he entered service in Milwaukee, WI on 30 September 1944. He was sent to Camp Wolters, TX for 13 weeks of basic training. Training was supposed to be 18 weeks, but because of the Battle of the Bulge, his training was cut short. After a short 9 day leave back home, he was deployed from Oakland, CA to the Philippines on 26 March 1945. He arrived 25 April 1945 in Manilla, Philippines. He received his rifle and equipment, and the next day was sent to the front lines. He served with the Company D, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 38th Division. WWII VETERAN AWARDED LONG OVERDUE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - Department of Wisconsin - Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Are most of these lack of paperwork, laziness in the particular war offices or lack of knowledge on the part of the recipient as to what they are entitled to?
Air Force retiree seeks medal for World War II vet on 04-21-2009 03:36 By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN PAWTUCKET — In what had been a frustrating journey through red tape and bureaucracy in his home state, an Arizona man seeking an overdue war medal for a World War II veteran is hoping to get some round-about help from Rhode Island. Robert Johnson, a retired master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force, has been working for several years to have a Combat in Infantry (CIB) badge awarded to an 89-year-old retired USAF colonel who resides in a Tuscon, Arizona nursing home. He said he has been frustrated at every turn by members of his local legislature, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Sen. John McCain, in obtaining this particular medal. According to Johnson, the Army Board of Review's justification in denying the request of retired Col. Jay B. Harrelson is that the colonel, despite his participation in the Battle of Bataan with the First Provisional Air Corps Regiment II Corps, did not possess the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of an infantryman. Johnson said that, according to his research, the MOS was not required until 1961. Johnson said he first became aware of this stipulation regarding the CIB when he was asked by the daughter of another veteran of the Battle of the Bulge (now deceased) to prepare paperwork to obtain this and other medals for her father. This request was also denied by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records for the same reason: the veteran, despite having been taken prisoner and having marched with the enemy back in the infamous winter of 1944/1945, lacked the MOS of an infantryman. Johnson said he has subsequently had numerous conversations with other WWII veterans on the subject and thinks there are an untold number who are still trying to receive the CIB according to guidelines pertaining to the WWII era. According to Johnson, research reveals that hundreds of WWII combat veterans were awarded the CIB without having the MOS. Many were involved during the Battle of Bataan, he said. In one of several communications Johnson wrote to the U.S. Army Review Boards Agency, he said there were hundreds of military personnel who participated in the Battle of Bataan and possesses a variety of MOS's that were awarded the CIB. He acknowledged that the requirements changed in 1961 that require the MOS of an infantryman. However, he maintained that this requirement should not be applied to the WWII. The Army Review Board's reply, citing a 1944 War Department Circular, was that the award of the CIB would be confined to personnel whose basic branch was infantry and who, during active ground combat, were assigned to Table of Organization Infantry (TOI) unit. Johnson has pointed out to the Army Review Board a guideline from a War Department Circular from 1943 that states eligibility for the CIB to be by: “Exemplary conduct in action against the enemy or by satisfactory performance of duty in action against the enemy in a major operation as determined and announced by the theater commander.” Johnson said he decided to contact the Times after reading a 2003 Times article that detailed a Pawtucket native, James Brennan, being presented the CIB by Congressman Patrick Kennedy. He said he reached out to Brennan, and with his permission, contacted Kennedy's office to ask what justification was used to obtain the CIB in for the Pawtucket veteran. He said that a Kennedy office staffer told him he could not provide Johnson with any information on Brennan, citing confidentiality concerns. He further directed Johnson to contact his own state representative. Johnson calls the situation the “unbalanced scale of recognition,” saying that Harrelson fought alongside Brennan and others in that 800-strong military unit, which lost 50 percent of its men to casualties. When the Times inquired of Kennedy's office some months ago, a staffer said the Congressman had gone through the usual channels and had followed established criteria in the pertinent military offices in obtaining the lost medals for Brennan and other area veterans. The staff member sent the Times various links to Web sites that she said could be helpful to Johnson in his quest for the retired colonel, and the websites were then forwarded to Johnson. She, too, suggested that Johnson work with his legislators in Arizona on the matter. Johnson, who has done an exhaustive amount of research on the topic and on Col. Harrelson's war records in particular, said that despite the Kennedy staffers' efforts, the website links were not any help. He said he had pursued Harrelson's case again with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and maintains that there is still a hold-up, with a new glitch thrown in. Now, the process has been put on hold reportedly until written permission is obtained from Harrelson's wife. He noted that Harrelson's living in a nursing home, as well as his physical and mental capability, puts him at an obvious disadvantage in fighting for his own cause. Johnson said he has obtained written documents about Harrelson's unit's involvement during 1946-1947 as related through personal experience by a former Infantry Lieutenant at Fort Benning, Georgia. The lieutenant wrote, “From the 28th of January when the Orion line became the main battle position, until the beginning of April when the final Japanese offensive began, the Provisional Air Corps Regiment was the only American Infantry in the front line.” He further wrote, “ Although Chemical Warfare and other service personnel who participated in the last few days fighting with the 31st Inf. (U.S.) have been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the members of the Provisional Air Corps Regiment have not.” Johnson said that obtaining the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) is important to Harrelson because it will pave the way for him to also get a Bronze Star Medal. Johnson said that, according to guidelines, every WWII veteran awarded the CIB is entitled to the Bronze Star Medal. More importantly, Johnson points out, Harrelson and others have certainly earned all the recognition they can get for their heroic war efforts. He calls the situation an “injustice” and said he will continue to fight for the colonel's CIB, despite the lengthy delays. “Perhaps the door will open for these veterans and next of kin of veterans involved,” he stated.
NEW LONDON — It's been 66 years since New London resident Evan Voss was a soldier in World War II, but his courageous deeds haven't been forgotten. The French government recently sent a letter to Voss informing him he's been awarded the Legion of Honor, the most prestigious decoration in France. The award was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge "persons of great merit" who render services to France in times of war. Voss served with the Army's 36th Texas Division from 1944-45, and spent 18 months in combat in France, Italy, Germany and Austria with the Company C 142nd. He was involved in seven major battle campaigns and one invasion. He was a 19-year-old farmer from Manawa when he enlisted. "The memories are more vague now, but I can still think of everything that happened," Voss said. "I'm proud of what I did — what I've done for the French people." Voss was wounded three times while fighting in France and was awarded three Purple Hearts. He was wounded a fourth time in Germany and received a fourth Purple Heart. Altogether, Voss was shot in the chest, neck and wrist and was hit by shrapnel in the shoulder, leg and nose. "The first time I got shot I thought I was going to die of shock," Voss recalled. "I got hit a lot of times. I don't think there was a man in the unit who wasn't praying to God. I believe that's what saved me. "You're scared, but you know you have to do it. You just hope it turns out the way you want it to turn out. You're with buddies working as a team or you wouldn't accomplish anything." Voss also was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest honor given by the United States, a Silver Star, Bronze Star and other decorations. His medals are displayed in a cabinet in his living room. Voss returned home after World War II but later served in the Korean War as a paratrooper. He was on active duty for seven years and spent 21 years in the Army Reserve. He retired as a lieutenant colonel. "I went into the service because it was a chance to advance and make something out of yourself," Voss said. "It's my idea that all young people should serve in the military one or two years. You learn to take orders, discipline and survival." Voss has returned to Europe three times since World War II and took his wife and children there in 1992 to visit the places where he fought in battle. "He didn't talk much about the war at all when I was a kid," said Voss' son, Jim. "It wasn't until later when he started seeking out guys he served with." When the family drove through Italy, Jim said they stopped in Piedmonte where his father spent a winter living in a foxhole on the side of a mountain. "He said, 'See that little dent on the side of hill? I think that's where I spent that winter,'" Jim said. "After all those years, he could still remember it." In another town, the family saw the house Voss hid in where he held off two German tanks and the soldiers flanking them with his rifle. Jim is filled with pride when he thinks of what his father went through during the war. "It's like nobody else really compares," he said. "He's kind of like up there on a pedestal." Voss will travel to Chicago to receive his Legion of Honor. He's proud to be recognized for his bravery, but credits his fellow soldiers for the roles they played in the war. "I'm glad to get this, but there was a helluva lot of other boys who got killed who weren't recognized," he said.
NEW YORK, May 6 (RIA Novosti) - During a campaign at the United Nations headquarters in New York, St. George ribbons have been handed to more than 50 veterans who fought for the Soviet Union in World War II. The annual St. George Ribbon campaign, commemorating heroes of the Eastern Front of WWII, was held at the UN headquarters for the first time last year. "Our debt to the dead, and to the veterans whose number decreases each year, is to preserve the historic memory, the memory of those who died fighting against fascism, and who freed Europe and the world from Nazism," said Ilya Rogachyov, Russia's deputy envoy to the United Nations. The ribbons with black and orange stripes were handed over to Soviet war heroes living in the U.S. by pupils from a school at the Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN before a seminar devoted to WWII. Orange and black are the traditional colors of Soviet and Russian awards for achievements in combat. The black and orange stripes symbolize smoke and fire. Ruslan Bakhtin, a spokesman for Russia's UN mission, said the participation of school pupils is a "symbol of ties between generations, the preservation of traditions, and respect of the memory of those who died during the Great Patriotic War [the Russian term for the Eastern Front]." The St. George Ribbon campaign will continue in New York until May 9. Most of the ribbons are to be distributed during a reception at Russia's consulate-general on Thursday. The event will be attended by the WWII veterans who fought for the Soviet Union and the U.S. The ribbons will be also handed out by pupils and teachers on New York streets. The campaign, now in its fifth year in Russia, was started by RIA Novosti and the Student Community youth organization. More than 45 million ribbons are distributed throughout the world, including in Ukraine, Estonia, Germany, Britain, the United States and China.
Decades after his service, a World War II veteran finally gets his long-awaited medals. Doctor Howard Kinsgley served in the U.S. Army in the 1940's but in 1973, his military records were destroyed in a fire. Now, thanks to his perseverance and some help from Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Kingsley is finally getting his due. His service warrants him three medals, a lapel button and a marksman badge. Today, Kingsley reflected on his army company's annual reunion. “(There are) Four of us now. That's just four of us now able to manipulate, to get around, out of the 120 men that were with us initially.” Kingsley's company has held a reunion every year since 1989 and this year he’ll have some medals to show off. The medals he won include the good conduct medal, World War II victory medal and a European-African-Middle Eastern campaign medal with a bronze service star. www.WHEC.com - WW II vet receives long-awaited medals
Medvedev invites Azeri WWII veteran to Moscow 06-05-2009 20:48:23 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has invited a distinguished Azerbaijani World War II veteran to Moscow to attend an event dedicated to the 64th anniversary of the victory over fascism, the Russian embassy in Baku told Interfax Azerbaijan news agency. Aghadadash Samadov is the only person to have received a personal invitation from the Russian president. He is due to visit Moscow May 7 together with his son. During a visit to Azerbaijan this year, President Medvedev personally awarded Samadov with the first and second degree Order of Honor. Samadov had been conferred with these orders during the war but was unable to receive them as he was believed to be dead. Besides the award from the Russian head of state, the veteran has also been awarded with the first-degree order as well as over 10 medals and tokens of the patriotic war. He was involved in the offensive on Vislo-Odersk and Berlin. In 1945, he returned to his home and worked as an agriculturist until his retirement in 1980.
GEORGETOWN — Livie Gault Jr., a lifelong resident of Taylor, was 19 when he was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1943. During World War II, when the military was segregated, Gault served aboard the USS Lubbock as a steward third class. His job was to take care of his white military counterparts, with whom he was not even allowed to eat. But during battle, he manned the anti-aircraft guns on the ship, shooting down Japanese A6M2 Zeros, the main fighter planes of the Imperial Japanese Navy. "When we went into the war, the colors were all the same," Gault said. Gault was honorably discharged Jan. 11, 1946, but never received the medals and ribbons to which he was entitled. He wasn't even aware of them until his son Kevin Gault, who served in the U.S. Air Force, asked more than two years ago and worked with the Veterans County Service Office in Williamson County to get them issued. Because there was a mass exodus from the military after the war, many soldiers did not receive their medals, and most are given posthumously to children or grandchildren, said Ray Nelson, director of veteran services for the Williamson County service office. Gault, 84, received the honors Tuesday at the Williamson County Commissioners Court. He was presented with the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He was also awarded a commemorative coin on behalf of U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock. "It's with a great deal of humility and honor to me ... to salute you and to honor you for your service," Nelson said. Gault received a standing ovation from more than 100 people in the room, which included more than a dozen of Gault's children and grandchildren. "Everything is beautiful," Gault said. "It's good to be here." After the war, Gault studied political science at Howard University in Washington, where he met his wife of 61 years, Pearlie Mae. The couple returned to Taylor and raised nine children. Gault retired in 1988 from his job as an industrial engineer at Westinghouse in Round Rock. The following year, he started a bail bonding business. Now, Gault serves as a deacon at Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Taylor and spends his days cutting grass, gardening and raising chickens. "The honor he showed toward his service commitment is the honor he showed toward his family commitment," Kevin Gault said.
ELIZABETHTOWN — Two area World War II veterans on Thursday received French Legion of Honor medals for helping defeat Germany. Blond H. Puckett and James Calvin Sarver received the honors before a group of family and fellow vets gathered at Pritchard Community Center. Dave Jarrett, a veteran service officer for Disabled American Veterans, worked with the French Consulate in Chicago on the presentation. Those who receive the award — which Napoleon established — are considered knights of the French Republic. American World War II veterans became eligible for the medal in 2004. “It’s taken a fairly long time for our WWII vets to be recognized by France,” Jarrett said. “The French people are now acknowledging our contribution to their freedom.” He read letters from the French consul general in Chicago. “Through this award, the French government pays tribute to those soldiers who did so much for France and Western Europe,” it says. “For us, the French people, they are heroes.” David Worley, executive director of the Office of Kentucky Veterans’ Centers, presented the medals, which will add to the two veterans’ array of American honors. “As evil will always try to triumph in this world,” Worley said, “I’m also convinced that good will triumph over evil every time.” Elizabethtown resident John Elder in 2007 was awarded the first Legion of Honor Medal presented in Kentucky. The two men who received the medals last week said they were honored to get the recognitions. Sarver, 83, of Stephensburg, was trained as a marksman after being inducted in 1943. He was injured twice in the war. A month after landing on Omaha Beach, while advancing through the hedgerow country of northern France, shell fragments hit his leg. He was hospitalized and then returned to action in the Battle of the Bulge. Sarver’s arm was nearly severed while establishing a bridgehead at Remagen. He found shelter in a tank track until help arrived. “I feel lucky to have come through,” he said of his wartime experience. As for Puckett, the 87-year-old Magnolia resident said, “It just seemed like we had a job to do, and we just tried to do it. If we hadn’t been tough farm boys, we would have never made it.” He was trained as a tank driver at Fort Knox. While mine sweeping in Germany’s Hurtgen Forest, a blast tore through the bottom of his tank and broke his ribs. He still has five pieces of metal in his chest. Puckett said the French showed appreciation toward the Americans when they were over there. They’d make soldiers get out of the tanks so they could hug the GIs, who’d receive flowers and champagne. One French woman told him that when they heard Americans were coming, they knew who was going to win the war.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- National Armed Forces Day is all about honoring soldiers past and present and there were a variety of activities going on around Watertown and on Fort Drum to celebrate men and women who have served in the military. And one man's been waiting since World War II to receive his recognition. World War II veteran John Polito has been waiting 60 years for his bronze star, and he finally received it. "I had no idea they were going to give me a medal. I had no idea. What a surprise," said John Polito, World War II veteran. "Worked hard his whole life, but I think at 91 years old, he's due this to sort of close that chapter of his life," said Robert Kasulke, Parade Grand Marshall & Polito's nephew. "When they came back, they didn't want to hang around to pick up physical awards. They were very anxious to get back to their home, so that's what he did. He left the post after he finished the paperwork, which was Fort Dix. And he went home, never physically got the medals. He got the piece of paper that says you are due these." Major General Robert Kasulke presented his 91-year-old uncle with the long overdue award. "It was given to me in Frankfurt, Germany, but they only gave me the bar. I never got the start. So I came here, and I was telling him about it, so he said, 'You deserve one. It's on your discharge papers.' And he got it for me today. I had no idea," said Polito. "He became a second father to me, so it means a lot more. An uncle means a lot, but he was more to me than an uncle, so it's quite important. It's very rewarding to be able to do this today," said Kasulke. But Polito says it's not just about his medal. Saturday is Armed Forces Day...And the parade and reenactments on Fort Drum are to honor those men and women who have served their country. "It's important for people to know their history. The role played by the forefathers, how they made their country stable, concepts of freedom and liberty. And where it comes from and what they did has to be told for the sacrifices they made that makes our life possible today," said Gene Michaud, Corporal. "To know their history is to know where their roots are, to know where they came from, to know where as a modern soldier, where soldiers from the past had to come from, what they had to do in the past," said Michael Houck, Sergeant. Those participating in the reenactments on Fort Drum say the events are both a tribute to soldiers past and present and a way to remember our history.
FORT MYERS. Fla. - Two military veterans and one P.O.W. are recognized for their service and sacrifice. A special ceremony was held Monday in Fort Myers in their honor. What a surprise for World War II Veteran Lucien Pelletier. He received his high school diploma 60 years after he left school to join the OSS, now known as the CIA. Pelletier talked to us about his days as a parachute rigger. "I jumped into close to Japan, and two days later the atomic bomb went off. So I was there and I made it," said Pelletier. He's a survivor and now a high school graduate. Hurbert Nerenberg saved lives in WWII as a Combat Medic. He's a past recipient of the Purple Heart and now a proud recipient of the Bronze Star. "I just can't stop looking at it," said Nerenberg. "It'll go some special place alongside my Purple Heart." For Mildred Millett, the ceremony brings a sense of closure. She received a Purple Heart on behalf of her brother Ralph Fringeli. The 23-year-old was a P.O.W. in the Korean War who never came home. Millett's spent the last 20 years trying to get her brother the recognition she felt he deserved. "They never will find his remains, I know that. But at least this, this makes it final," said Millett. John Ebling with Lee County Veterans Services worked with Congressman Connie Mack's Office to help get both the veterans and P.O.W. Fringeli this recognition.
NEW ORLEANS – On Armed Forces Day, the World War II Museum was a busy place, but the center of attention was 84-year-old Amos Pierce, proud and solemn as he sat on the stage. "He is so excited and happy," Pierce said of his father, “and I've just been emotional all day." Army Corporal Amos Pierce served on the island of Saipan during World War II and knew his unit had earned medals, but was astounded and infuriated when a white military clerk, who did not have his records, dismissed his claim. "We won the citation," Amos Pierce said, "and she said, ‘oh yeah, yeah, yeah,' and she didn't believe me." Action Report: After decades, actor's father may finally receive WWII medal Amos felt that bitterness for six decades, so angry he ignored a letter from the military about the medals, until Wendell stepped in, and the result was a special ceremony at the World War II museum, with the second in command of the Louisiana National Guard making the presentation. "For those of us who are serving, we owe a debt of gratitude to the greatest generation," said Maj. Gen. Hunt Downer. Amos Pierce thought he should have received two medals, the Louisiana National Guard found a third one. But when Wendell Pierce asked me to help his dad get the medals he was due, I contacted Sen. Mary Landrieu's office, and when they had the research started, the military discovered Amos Pierce was to get six medals. Senator Landrieu sent a special video message to the presentation, congratulating Amos Pierce. "I'm so happy that Bill Capo stopped me one day and said 'senator could you help with this?'" Landrieu said. "You know, I'd like to say that every now and then reporters do do something worth while." The medals Amos Pierce was awarded included a presidential unit citation, and meritorious unit commendation. "We would not have won World War II without the African Americans, the Native Americans, the Hispanics, the Japanese Americans," said Nick Mueller, executive director of the WW2 Museum. "He is very happy, he is very proud," said a beaming Althea Pierce, Amos' wife. There was an Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal with a Bronze Service Star, a World War II Victory medal. Helping pin on the medals was son Ron Pierce, a Westpoint graduate. He pointed out that his father never let the snub he received affect the way he raised his sons to believe in the possibilities that exist in America. "He truly believed in the American dream, and he bought into it. And when he would tell us we could do anything, he wasn't just spouting words, he meant it," said retired U.S. Army Major Ron Pierce, who also choked back tears during the ceremony. There was even a good conduct medal, and an honorable service lapel button. "It's a great honor to stand here today," Wendell Pierce told the audience. "But it's just not for us. It is for all the men and women who couldn't live to see this honor, and receive the honors that they received, but still have love and faith for this great nation." To the Pierce family, the chest full of ribbons and medals given to Amos was proof of how this country has changed in 60 years. "How do I feel today? I feel like General MacArthur," Amos Pierce said with a laugh, and everyone around him joined in."
TORRINGTON — It took over 60 years, but finally one of this year’s honorary parade marshals, who served in World War II, was awarded last week with medals she never received. Honorary Parade Marshal Mary E. (Shuler) Lefebre said it all began on her 90th birthday in 2008. On a trip to Washington D.C. to see the World War II Museum, Lefebre was informed that she would be able to discover whether there were medals she was supposed to receive for her service, but was not yet awarded. After her son submitted Lefebre’s discharge from the military, he discovered that she was supposed to receive the American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal and World War II medal among others, Lefebre said. After filling out the paperwork Lefebre said she received a visit last week from the Office of U.S. Congressman Chris Murphy, D-5, awarding her those medals. “That’s how we kind of got started with all of this,” Lefebre said, referring to the her newly appointed status as a parade marshal. Lefebre served as an operating nurse during the last years of World War II. She originally joined the military in 1941 at age 23, and was sent off to North Africa in 1943 as a 2nd Lieutenant. Stationed outside of Algiers, the war in North Africa was over and the wounded American troops were often transported there from Italy where they were treated until the large American hospital ships came to pick them up, she said. “There were no planes back then to bring people home,” she said. Lefebre later was promoted to 1st Lieutenant as her tour in North African wound up treating patients in a hospital in Bari, Italy, and later in field hospitals in northern Italy. As the American troops continued to move north on the Italian peninsula — fighting the Axis powers — so moved the mobile hospitals, Lefebre said. “As the war was moving up further then the hospitals would move closer to the front lines,” she said. One time they moved a little too close. The hospital was stationed next to an ammunition depot as the Allies attempted to take Bologna, which was bombed by enemy forces, resulting in on patient death, Lefebre said. Then the hospital was placed in a soccer stadium in Lucca. Her experience during wartime Europe ended after coming back to the United States in October 1945. In February 1946, Lefebre was discharged from her military service. She attended the University of Chicago on a GI Bill, where she graduated with a degree in public health. After moving to New Haven she met her future husband, James Lefebre, and moved to Torrington in 1953. She has been a Torrington resident ever since, working as a school nurse for 18 years for the Torrington public school system. Now, at 91, she will be at the helm today as part of the honorary parade marshals. “I was sort of embarrassed at first about the idea.... but now I’m kind of excited about it,” Lefebre said. “I get to ride in the convertible. My uniform doesn’t fit anymore, but I have all my medals.”
