WASHINGTON -- Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa today presented military medals to two Plymouth County veterans. He presented World War II victory medals to John Hart of Le Mars and Robert L. Taylor of Westfield. The medals were presented before Grassley’s town hall meeting at Floyd Valley Hospital, which both men attended unaware they were receiving the medals.
“It was a pleasure to present the medals to Mr. Hart and Mr. Taylor,” Grassley said. “These men honorably served our country, and I appreciate the opportunity to recognize their sacrifices and dedication to defending our freedoms.”
Hart enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served on a U.S. landing craft support ship during World War II. Hart witnessed the signing of the Japanese surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, when his ship was anchored alongside the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Taylor also enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944. He served as a Petty Officer Second Class in the Pacific theater, the American campaign and the European campaign during World War II.
Hart and Taylor went to boot camp together in Idaho where they became friends before serving on different ships. Before accepting their medals together, the two men hadn’t seen each other in almost 65 years.
This year marks the 70th anniversary since the end of World War II.
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