Updated: 18 May, 2008
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Veteran
receives medals for World War II service Joseph H. Hoover Jr. recently received several medals, a citation and a ribbon for his service while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II -- more than 55 years after earning them. A battalion radio operator in the 1st Infantry Division, the 77-year-old served from September 1943 to January 1946. He was in France, Belgium, Germany, Czechoslovakia and England and was in the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Hoover was awarded The Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, European Theater of Operation Medal, Presidential Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Unit Commendation Ribbon, Victory World War II Medal, American Campaign Medal and Combat Infantry Army Medal PublicOpinionOnline Nov 02 |
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Decades late, vets show their medal Florence and Charles McComber put World War II behind them in 1945. Florence McComber was awarded the Bronze Star, the Philippine Defense Medal, the Women's Army Corp's Service Medal and the Asia-Pacific Medal. Her husband received the Asia-Pacific Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory medal. (Dec 02) |
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WWII Vet given lost medals - James Brooks Speer, who survived both the Battle of the Bulge and a German prisoner of war camp, had never received public acknowledgment of the eight medals he earned in combat. Bronze Star, Purple Heart, POW Medal) (Mar 02) |
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Green Berets awarded for heroism in Afghanistan Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki awards Capt. Jason L. Amerine of the 5th Special Forces Group a Bronze Star with V Device for valor during combat in Afghanistan. Twelve Bronze Star medals awarded - Capt. Jason Amerine, Sgt. 1st Class Michael McElhiney, Sgt. Gilbert Magallanes Jr., Sgt. 1st Class Ronnie Raikes, Staff Sgt. Bradley Fowers, Sgt. 1st Class Vaughn Berntson, Staff Sgt. Wesley McGirr, Co. A, 3rd Bn., 5th SFG (A), Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Pickett, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn., 5th SFG (A), Capt. Kevin C. Leahy, Capt. Paul R. Syverson, 1st Sgt. David B. Betz and Sgt. 1st Class Paul Beck, HHC, 3rd Bn., 5th SFG (A). Four soldiers, Amerine, Magallanes, McElhiney and McGirr received the Bronze Star with the V-Device for valor in combat. Eight of the 12 Bronze Star recipients were also awarded the Purple Heart at the ceremony (the other four received the honor in December) along with Capt. John Leopold, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Terry Reed, Staff Sgt. Hamid Fathi and Spc. John Menefee, HHC, 2nd Bn., 5th SFG (A), and Sgt. 1st Class David Kennedy, HHC 2nd Bn., 5th SFG (A). Two Air Force Special Operations members were also presented the Purple Heart at the ceremony: Staff Sgt. Craig Musselman and Staff Sgt. Alan Yoshita, Detachment 2, 10th Combat Weather Squadron. Army Link News Jan 02 |
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Civil affairs soldiers' efforts recognized during ceremony Nearly 50 soldiers from the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) recently garnered a variety of awards for their efforts as part of Operation Enduring Eagle. Nearly 50 awards, including Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman Badges, Combat Medical Badges, Army Commendation Medals and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, were presented to soldiers from the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne). Army Public Affairs August 28, 2002 |
Veteran
Receives Bronze Star Medal
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Air Wing Commander Receives Bronze Star Medal In a recent ceremony at sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), the Bronze Star Medal was presented to Capt. Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. Capt. Driscoll received this honor for meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations while serving as deputy commander of CVW-5 during Operation Enduring Freedom. “This award is the result of Captain Driscoll's outstanding leadership, consummate operational skills, and superb effectiveness in a combat environment,” said Kunkle. “His innovative tactics and flawless efforts to coordinate fixed wing operations with rotary wing aircraft from the special operations forces, were brilliant in every respect.” US Navy NewsDec 02 |
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58 Years Later, Local WWII Vet Gets Medal As an Army sergeant in World War II, Michael Brutscher (pictured, right) was sent to Tibet to buy horses for the Chinese. He embarked on a 26-day trek through knee-deep snow to bring the animals back. "Blizzards, icy trails ... we had to exchange a few shots with the bandits," Brutscher said. "They wanted to steal the horses." As a result, Brutscher earned a bronze star for heroic and meritorious achievement. He received the honor years ago, but never got the 1 1/2-inch medal that goes with it. WTAE-TV, PA - 31 Mar 2003 |
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WWII veteran receives Purple Heart Stanley B. Durgin waited 61 years before finally being awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medal for his service during World War II. Lewiston Sun Journal, ME - March 03
WW II Vet gets Bronze Star, Purple Heart -Stanley Durgin was presented with the bronze star, the purple heart, and the prisoner of war medals for his service in World War II. Durgin was wounded and captured during the battle of Bataan in the Phillipines--and was a prisoner of war for three years. He is one of the few survivors of the infamous Bataan death march. WLBZ-TV March 03
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Qatari firefight earns airman a Bronze Star for valor Senior Airman Clinton Boyd killed a man, and received the Bronze Star for valor, the nation’s fourth-highest combat award. The act outside Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, was more than self-preservation: Boyd potentially saved the lives of 20 Americans. (Jan 03) |
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Wait for medal ends In December 1944, Nick Swyka was a member of the 395th Infantry Regiment serving in Belgium. In a last desperate bid to force the Allies into a negotiated agreement to end World War II, German commanders launched a surprise attack on American forces through the Ardennes Forest. Suddenly the 395th was in the thick of the fighting. Swyka never had been given his Bronze Star, a Combat Infantryman's Badge and other medals. Delewareonline Dec 02 |
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Funeral Held For Indianapolis Soldier Dignitaries, family members and friends honored Pfc. Jesse Halling who died June 7 protecting his comrades in Iraq. He has been awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. He has also has been recommended for a Silver Star Medal, but that decoration has not yet been approved. INDYchannel.com 17 Jun 03 |
War medals spark 'powerful memories' Robert Simmons received nine medals and other awards - including the prestigious Bronze Star with clusters. Clinton Herald, IA - 12 Jun 2003
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Wounded war medic awarded Bronze Star Medal Alan Babin, Jr. was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor from U.S. Army Major General Swanick of the 82nd Airborne. Babin was serving as a platoon medic in Iraq, when he willingly risked his own safety to treat a fellow soldier. Babin was injured while treating his fellow soldier. News 8 Austin, TX - 16 Jul 2003 |
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Franklin native earns medal for valor in Iraqi war effort First Sgt. William E. Secules has been awarded the Bronze Star medal with the V device (for valor) for his six-month service with the U.S. Army in Iraq for "exceptionally meritorious achievement," Secules repeatedly "took the initiative in enemy territory to protect the soldiers in his care" during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Oil City Derrick, PA - 6 Aug 2003 |
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Lost War Medals Being Returned - John Murray displays the Bronze Star and Purple Heart he plans to deliver in person this weekend in Illinois to the family of Fred Johnson WSTM-TV |
Rep. Larson delivers World War II medals James J. Brady also received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and triple bronze star attachment, WWII Victory Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, and the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar. Torrington Register Citizen, CT - 8 Aug 2003
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Bonita veteran given long overdue medals in American Legion ... Medals given to retired Lt.Col. Fred Henry during a ceremony at the Bonita Springs American Legion Post on Thursday morning are: top row, from left: Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Citation. Bottom row, from left: Army of Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Bronze Star Attachment, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Bonita Daily News, FL - 14 Aug 2003 |
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Long Valley soldier gets medal for Iraq service Army Capt. Edward Croot Jr. was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" (valor). Croot served as the detachment commander for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 375 during combat operations in Northern Iraq earlier this year. Because Croot seemed to have a natural ability for languages and was proficient in German, the Army schooled him in Arabic, which he now speaks fluently. A statement issued by the Army said Croot was awarded the Bronze Star for having led his detachment in "Special Reconnaissance and Unconventional Warfare Operations" in support of coalition attacks in the Makloub mountain region and during subsequent support and stability operations in Mosul from March 23 to April 15. As an airborne Ranger, Pathfinder, Green Beret, and Special Forces soldier, Croot has been in places around the world that might cause his family to worry. He has served in Kosovo, Macedonia, Yemen, and Zambia. He was also stationed in Germany for three years, and is now on his second tour in Afghanistan. Observer-Tribune 02 Oct 03 |
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Navy Captain Awarded Bronze Star for OIF Special Ops Capt. Dan Cain, former Director of Professional Development for the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps program office at the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) here, was recently awarded the Bronze Star medal for his achievements as Joint Close Air Support (JCAS) Component Commander for Special Operations Forces and as Liaison Officer for the Commander of the 5th Fleet during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Cain was involved in providing nighttime JCAS for a number of special operations, including the rescue of Army Pvt. Jessica Lynch by the Special Operations Forces (SOF). Much of Cain's efforts remains classified; however, the unclassified award citation commended Cain for providing guidance for the Joint Air Strike aircraft conducting nighttime close air support for Special Operations Forces in western and central Iraq. It credits him with aiding in the destruction of 292 confirmed enemy targets, thereby significantly contributing to the quick control of the area by coalition forces and allowing an early entry into the city of Baghdad. Navy Newstand 20 Oct 03
• Russell L. Bonacker, who served with the 3rd infantry division, European Theater Operations.
• Willis A. Jarvis, a Purple Heart recipient who, as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, landed a glider behind enemy lines on D-Day.
• Joseph F. Graham, who served in the 103rd division, European Theater Operations.
• August Zellmer, an infantryman who served in the southwest Pacific.
• Elmo D. Kunkel of the 517th parachute group, 101st Airborne Division. The Morning News 12 Nov 03
• Spc. Billy Barnes — Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with
“V” for gunshot wound suffered in firefight, and, after being
injured, helping to protect John Sullivan, an embedded journalist traveling
with the unit.
• Spc. Dante Cammarata — Bronze Star Medal with “V” for using
his body to shield Barnes from enemy gunfire.
• Staff Sgt. Scott Eisom — Army Commendation Medal with “V”
for securing and protecting enemy prisoners of war.
• Sgt. Clinton Johnson — Army Commendation Medal with “V” for
effectively placing Mk-19 [grenade launcher] fire to protect platoon
leaders.
• Capt. Mario Soto — Bronze Star with “V” for actions in
directing the platoon while separated from the battalion and without
communications.
• Sgt. 1st Class Michael Williamson — Bronze Star with “V”
for coordinating the successful medical evacuation of Barnes while directing
platoon fire against the enemy.
• Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Wright — Bronze Star with “V” for
coming forward to assist in the medical evacuation of Barnes.
• Spc. John Zagyva — Bronze Star with “V” for initially
spotting and firing upon enemy troops. Stars and Stripes 12
Nov 03
Charleston Sailors Receive Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (EOD) Larry Sabin was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, and 13 others were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation during a ceremony held at Naval Weapons Station Charleston, Nov. 14, for their support during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A Senior Chief assigned to Explosive Ordnance Mobile Unit (EOD-MU) 6, Sabin was awarded the Bronze Star for duties performed with the Army’s 3rd Infantry division. “He worked for the Army in Baghdad, and it’s unique for a Sailor to receive recognition from the Army,” EOD-MU 6 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Brett Reissener said. “This is a personal award, but it is the result of team effort. He wouldn’t have received the Bronze Star if it weren’t for the team of 109 people behind him.”. The Sailors who received the Presidential Unit Citation are Lt. Cmdr. Vincent R. Martinez; Lt. Lawrence Hall; Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mates (EOD) Todd Robinson and Antonio Diaz; Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (EOD) Leo Arambula; Chief Boatswain’s Mates (EOD) Matthew S. Hansknecht, Robert R. Womble and William Bonham; Interior Communications Specialist 1st Class (EOD) Peter S. Kern; Gunner’s Mate 2nd Classes (EOD) Noah W. Bullock and Casey L. Rogers; Aviation Ordnanceman (EOD) Jeffrey V. Dickey; and Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class (EOD) Justin Van Pelt. Navy Newstand 19 Nov 03
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Taft honors area guardsmen After toiling through months of heavy labor under wartime conditions in Southwest Asia, the Ohio Air National Guard 200th RED HORSE Squadron is hauling in honors. The Camp Perry-based group received the U.S. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award during a star-studded ceremony Saturday morning, drawing applause from the engineers' families and friends. Seven officers also won individual Bronze Star Medals for their wartime achievements. The local recipients: Col. H. Dewey Perkins of Port Clinton, Capt. Michael Hrynciw of Fremont, Senior Master Sgt. Terry Eishen of Lindsey, Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Reed of Fremont, Master Sgt. Michael Crosser of Port Clinton, Lt. Col. Michael Skomrock and Master Sgt. Edward Lacroix. News Herald 8 Dec 03 |
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As in other wars, complaints echo about too many medals As the 60th anniversary of the Bronze Star arrived Wednesday, they and more than 16,000 other U.S. troops who have served in the Iraq war and its aftermath have been decorated with the military's fourth-highest combat medal. But more than 90 percent of those pinned with the coveted award were recognized not for their valor but for less remarkable performance categorized as "meritorious service or achievement" in a combat zone. Echoing complaints as old as warfare itself, grumbles are growing on the Internet and elsewhere that the Bronze Star is being cheapened by being awarded too willy-nilly. knoxstudio 5 Feb 04 |
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