According to Grassley, local sailors, soldiers and airmen who served in World War II, Korea,and Vietnam will receive these long-deserved and long-awaited war medals during the hour-longceremony which will include an F-16 air salute from the National Guard. The 16 Iowa veterans whowill be honored at the Fredericksburg service are from Marion, New Hampton, Waterloo, Lawler,Marble Rock, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Allison, Charles City, St. Ansgar, Elk Run Hts.,West Des Moines, Nashua, and Fredericksburg.
"Paying special tribute to their patriotism can help us reinforce our shared American heritageas a free society," said Grassley. "We owe these brave servicemen a debt of gratitude for theircourage and sacrifice. A medal cannot repay them for their pain and suffering, but as formerprisoners of war, they can wear it proudly as a badge of honor."
In 1991 and 1992, Grassley served on the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairsthat uncovered information about the 2,200 missing soldiers from the Vietnam War. Serving as anadvocate for their families and loved ones, Grassley successfully challenged the federal governmentto release documents about the brave men left behind in Vietnam.
"More than one million Americans have died in the line of duty," said Grassley. "I encourageIowans to honor the memory of our nation's fallen soldiers and take the time this Memorial Dayholiday to celebrate the service of their hometown vets. Don't take the day off for granted."
Grassley said he also pays tribute to local organizers, especially Commander David F.Jacobsen who leads local AmVet Post 90, for their efforts to help impress upon younger generationsthe human sacrifices made by fallen war heros and to remind us all about the legacy they left behind.Commander Delbert Berninghaus, the leader of Iowa's ex-POW's will join Grassley to present themilitary medals.
A list of the local veterans follows.
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Page2/Memorial Day 1999
POW MEDAL
Marvin W. BalhornLawrence J. Klenske
U.S. Navy -- WW IIU.S. Army -- WW II
MarionNew Hampton
Donald J. BrehmerCarroll H. McCampbell
U.S. Army -- WW IIU.S. Army -- WW II
WaterlooWaterloo
Donald C. BustaEdward Merfeld
U.S. Army -- KoreaU.S. Army -- WW II
LawlerMarble Rock
Mearl I. ClinePaul M. Moore
U.S. Army -- WW IIU.S. Army -- WW II
WaterlooMarshalltown
John M. GutierrezHoward J. Parker
U.S. Army -- WW IIU.S. Army -- WW II
Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids
Arthur G. HaanCarl M. Selvig
U.S. Army -- WW IIU.S. Army -- WW II
AllisonCharles City
Merle H. HobbsRandall T. Thompson
U.S. Navy -- WW IIU.S. Army -- WW II
St. AnsgarMarshalltown
Dale E. JensenDuane Vavroch
U.S. Army -- WW IIU.S. Air Force -- Vietnam
Elk Run Hts.West Des Moines
Victor L. Johnson
Army Air Corps -- WW II
Nashua
PURPLE HEART
Milford J. Bergeson
U.S. Army -- WW II
Fredericksburg