November 29, 2001

Area Veterans Receive World War II Medallions At Special Ceremony

Gov. Bob Holden recently announced that Missouri veterans of World War II may apply through the Missouri National Guard for the new World War II medallion, medal and certificate and the "Jubilee of Liberty" medal for D-Day veterans.

Four area veterans recently received their World War II medallion at an American Legion program held at the Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial Post #4958 of the V.F.W. in Memphis.

LTC Tom O'Donnell of the United States Army National Guard presented the medallions to Okie Boyer (T-5 US Army), Roy McDaniel (PFS US Army), Wayne Newman (E4 US Army) and Lawrence Ward (US Navy Fireman 2nd Class).

Last year, the General Assembly approved and Gov. Mel Carnahan signed legislation authorizing the medals for World War II veterans and giving the Missouri National Guard the responsibility of accepting and verifying applications. The Missouri Veteran's Commission is responsible for the design of the medallion, medal and certificate. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 1, 2002.

Although the 2000 General Assembly did not provide funding for the program, Holden has recommended $3 million for the medal program in his fiscal year 2002 budget.

"These medals are an excellent way for Missouri to show its gratitude to its citizens who sacrificed so much to win the war," Holden said. "Sadly, hundreds of these proud heroes are passing away each month. This program is a most appropriate way of showing our appreciation before these men and women are gone."

To be eligible for the medallion, medal and certificate, a veteran must have served in an U.S. military force between Dec. 7, 1941 and Sep. 30, 1945. Applicants also must have been honorably separated or discharged from military service unless they are still in active service in an honorable status, according to the legislation.

Every eligible Missouri World War II veteran of the June 6, 1944, "D-Day" invasion of Europe will receive a replica of the 50th anniversary "Jubilee of Liberty" medals issued by France in 1994. The same application submits the veteran for the World War II recognition and the D-Day awards.

Applications for the awards are available at Missouri Veterans Commissions offices, Veterans of Foreign Wars buildings, on the Missouri National Guard website at www.moguard.com, by calling 573-638-9983, or writing Office of the Adjutant General, ATTN: Director, WWII Veterans Recognition Program, Post Office Box 1808, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.

Information needed for the application form are address, serial number, branch of service, rank, unit, dates of World War II service and date landed in Normandy, if applicable. Veterans will also need to submit a copy of Record of Discharge or Separation from Service or Department of Defense Form 214 as military service documentation.