thedrifter
10-01-06, 08:39 AM
Veterans get medals years after service
JOHN SOWELL
The News-Review
Two World War II veterans and a Vietnam War soldier, during a ceremony Wednesday, received medals they were awarded but never given.
Clinton Atherton of Roseburg, Heighter Purks of Camas Valley and Dale Bishop of Oakland were presented their wartime medals at a presentation before the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.
The medals were obtained as part of a standard process whereby the county's Veterans Service Office checks the military records of each veteran that it sees for help with other claims. Officials compare the records with the medals and ribbons the soldier received and then submits a claim for any others that should have been presented but for some reason weren't.
The process typically takes about a year, but it's important that the veterans receive what they have coming, even if it's years after they finished their service, Michele Nelson, a veterans services officer, said outside the meeting.
Atherton, a pilot who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, received a Bronze Medal for his work in delivering troops and supplies during an early 1943 battle in New Guinea. The Bronze Star is given for heroic or meritorious achievement or service.
"He just received his Bronze Star after 62 years," said Mary Newman, the county's veterans service office, after presenting Atherton with his medal.
Atherton served in the Merchant Marines for three years before World War II and later joined the U.S. Air Force after it was formed in 1947. Altogether, he spent 27 years in the military, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1968.
He was previously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, given for heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight.
Purks served in the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1945. He saw action in Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Sicily, France and Germany. He was wounded three times in Italy and was awarded the Purple Heart for each.
On Wednesday, he was also awarded a Bronze Star, along with several other medals.
Bishop served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, specializing as a light weapons infantryman. He was recognized for his gun skills by being awarded expert and sharpshooter badges for both an automatic rifle and for an M-16.
On Wednesday, he was awarded a Silver Star. It is given to a soldier who distinguishes himself or herself for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
Commissioners Marilyn Kittelman, Dan Van Slyke and Doug Robertson, along with the audience at the meeting, rose and applauded each of the recipients as they were introduced by Newman.
"Thank you," Atherton said.
* You can reach reporter John Sowell at 957-4209 or by e-mail at jsowell@newsreview.info.
Ellie
JOHN SOWELL
The News-Review
Two World War II veterans and a Vietnam War soldier, during a ceremony Wednesday, received medals they were awarded but never given.
Clinton Atherton of Roseburg, Heighter Purks of Camas Valley and Dale Bishop of Oakland were presented their wartime medals at a presentation before the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.
The medals were obtained as part of a standard process whereby the county's Veterans Service Office checks the military records of each veteran that it sees for help with other claims. Officials compare the records with the medals and ribbons the soldier received and then submits a claim for any others that should have been presented but for some reason weren't.
The process typically takes about a year, but it's important that the veterans receive what they have coming, even if it's years after they finished their service, Michele Nelson, a veterans services officer, said outside the meeting.
Atherton, a pilot who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, received a Bronze Medal for his work in delivering troops and supplies during an early 1943 battle in New Guinea. The Bronze Star is given for heroic or meritorious achievement or service.
"He just received his Bronze Star after 62 years," said Mary Newman, the county's veterans service office, after presenting Atherton with his medal.
Atherton served in the Merchant Marines for three years before World War II and later joined the U.S. Air Force after it was formed in 1947. Altogether, he spent 27 years in the military, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1968.
He was previously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, given for heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight.
Purks served in the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1945. He saw action in Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Sicily, France and Germany. He was wounded three times in Italy and was awarded the Purple Heart for each.
On Wednesday, he was also awarded a Bronze Star, along with several other medals.
Bishop served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, specializing as a light weapons infantryman. He was recognized for his gun skills by being awarded expert and sharpshooter badges for both an automatic rifle and for an M-16.
On Wednesday, he was awarded a Silver Star. It is given to a soldier who distinguishes himself or herself for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
Commissioners Marilyn Kittelman, Dan Van Slyke and Doug Robertson, along with the audience at the meeting, rose and applauded each of the recipients as they were introduced by Newman.
"Thank you," Atherton said.
* You can reach reporter John Sowell at 957-4209 or by e-mail at jsowell@newsreview.info.
Ellie