Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry presented local veterans with military service medals and decorations during a ceremony this afternoon at his Hickory office.

“I am humbled to help honor these distinguished veterans for their valiant service in our Armed Forces.  It is only fitting that their heroism should be recognized this week when we stop to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by all of our country’s veterans,” said Congressman McHenry.

Veterans were presented with medals, awards, and certificates.  Some of these were replacements for honors lost, while others were never received.  The following veterans were recognized this afternoon:

Bernard Easler of Lawndale
• Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
• Sharpshooter Badge With Rifle Bar

Carl O. Smith of Lenoir
• Good Conduct Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal With 4 Bronze Stars
• World War II Victory Medal
• Honorable Service Lapel Button, WW II

Harvey Jonas of Newton
• World War II Victory Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal
• Discharge Button
• Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck)

Walker Dewey Caughman of Stanley
• Bronze Star Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal With 2 Bronze Stars
• World War II Victory Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
• Honorable Service Lapel Button, WW II

Benny McKinzie of Stanley
• Bronze Star Medal
• Purple Heart
• Presidential Unit Citation
• American Campaign Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal With 1 Silver Service Star
• Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
• Honorable Service Lapel Button, WW II

Benny Holler of Barium Springs
• World War II Victory Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• Asiatic-Pacific-Campaign Medal With 3 Bronze Stars
• Combat Action Ribbon
• Discharge Button
• Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck)
• Philippine Award Handout

Walter Little of Claremont
• Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Service Medal

Congressman McHenry has also worked on behalf of the following local veterans to obtain service medals: Danny Dean Alexander of Valdese, Ronnie Adams of Cherryville, Blane Lee Allred of Lenoir, Lee Roy Willis of Cherryville, and Lonnie Fish, Jr. of Maiden.

Congressman McHenry assists in obtaining service medals for veterans either through a request on their behalf to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or through a Congressional Inquiry to the proper Branch of Service.  Veterans who have never received their medals or whose medals were destroyed or lost may contact the Hickory Office at 828-327-6100 for assistance.  Medals are issued from the NPRC or the Branch of Service to the Congressman’s Hickory office.

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