Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) recently honored Burke County World War II veteran, the late Fred Wilson, during a special ceremony at the congressman’s district office in Hickory. Wilson was one of eight veterans receiving service medals from Congressman McHenry on Friday after his office researched their combat records and obtained the medals from the Department of Defense.

Mr. Wilson was a resident of Burke County and served as a Private, First Class in the Army during World War II. His daughter, Barbara Wilson, accepted the medals posthumously on behalf of her father. “Our nation owes Mr. Wilson a debt of gratitude for his service,” stated the Congressman. “The sacrifices he made have allowed the rest of us to remain free.”

Congressman McHenry presented Ms. Wilson with the following awards:

• Bronze Star
• Good Conduct Medal
• Meritorious Unit Commendation
• European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment
• World War II Victory Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
• World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button

“Many times, veterans do not realize that they are entitled to medals earned during their service until twenty or thirty years later,” explained Congressman McHenry. “And sometimes it is not until a veteran’s children or grandchildren begin looking into the matter that it becomes apparent just how much a veteran did - and the medals they deserve for their bravery and sacrifice.”

Tenth District veterans who believe they may be eligible for service medals they never received are encouraged to contact Joanna Rowe in Congressman McHenry’s Hickory office at 828-327-6100