WWII Veteran Awarded Long-Due Medals for His Service
Nearly eight decades after his service, Neil Korn, a 102-year-old World War II veteran from Chippewa Falls, is finally set to receive the recognition he has long deserved. Drafted into the U.S. Army at 19, Korn served with distinction as a private first class in the 405th Artillery Battalion. His service spanned several critical campaigns, including the monumental Battle of the Bulge.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to date.
The Journey to Recognition
Despite the significant passage of time, the bravery and sacrifices of veterans like Korn remain vivid in the nation’s collective memory. Through the efforts of Congressman Derrick Van Orden, Korn will be awarded five military medals, highlighting a national commitment to honoring our heroes. “I got the medals coming yet,” Korn said, reflecting anticipation and pride. These awards, including the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal, symbolize the overdue acknowledgment of Korn’s valor and service.
The Significance of Remembering
Korn’s story goes beyond the medals; it’s a narrative of resilience and the enduring spirit of those who served in the Greatest Generation. His initial attempt to leave the past behind, by discarding his service items, contrasts with the upcoming ceremony that seeks to commemorate his contributions formally. “I was all done with the army,” Korn said. “I’ll tell you I threw everything I had in the fire.” This act of recognition serves as a poignant reminder of the deep impacts of service and the importance of honoring such sacrifices, no matter how much time has elapsed.
Ensuring Timely Honor for Veterans
The initiative to award Korn his medals is a clarion call to the nation about the importance of recognizing the valor of our veterans promptly. Congressman Van Orden’s actions exemplify the collective duty to ensure that every veteran receives the honors and acknowledgment they deserve. “We can never fully thank veterans for their service to our country, but we absolutely should ensure they receive the recognition they deserve for their sacrifices,” stated Congressman Van Orden, reflecting an ongoing commitment to valuing and respecting their sacrifices.
Looking Forward: A Commitment to Veteran Recognition
As preparations for the ceremony proceed, the story of Neil Korn embodies a broader message about the significance of honoring all veterans for their service and sacrifices. It highlights the need for continued diligence in veteran affairs and the collective responsibility to ensure that the contributions of every veteran are acknowledged and celebrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are World War II veterans receiving medals now, so many years after their service?
Many World War II veterans are receiving medals now due to a variety of reasons, including lost records, lack of application for deserved medals at the time, or recent efforts to rectify oversight. Initiatives led by family members, veterans organizations, or congressional representatives aim to ensure that veterans like Neil Korn receive the recognition they deserve for their sacrifices, regardless of the time that has passed.
What medals is Neil Korn receiving?
Neil Korn is set to receive five military medals for his service during World War II. While the specific names of all the medals were not listed, two mentioned are the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. These awards recognize his honorable service and the significant role he played in achieving victory during the war.
How are veterans identified for medal eligibility?
Veterans or their families can initiate the process of medal eligibility identification by requesting a review of the veteran’s military records. This can be done through the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or with assistance from a congressional office. The review identifies any awards the veteran is entitled to but did not receive.
Can families of deceased World War II veterans apply for medals?
Yes, families of deceased World War II veterans can apply for medals the veteran was eligible for but did not receive. They need to provide documentation such as discharge papers (DD-214 form) and submit a request to the NPRC or seek assistance from their congressional representative.
What is the significance of the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal?
The Good Conduct Medal is awarded to military personnel who have displayed exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during their service. The World War II Victory Medal is awarded to all military personnel who served in active duty during World War II. Both medals honor the dedication and sacrifices made by soldiers like Neil Korn in service to their country.
Medals are great. Some healthcare would be better though. I’d take the heathcare over the medals but apparently that’s not an option. A Medal of Honor or purple heart is easier to achieve than healthcare at VA. I’m service connected at 50% and they will do nothing but give pills for myelopathy. That doesn’t treat the dizziness or the muscle failure, nor does other medication. They gave Xanax but that’s no way to live. Flexeril makes me pass out. I swear to God and baby Jesus they’ll watch me go insane before they do surgery. Not to mention, I could cause an auto accident in this condition and then what would happen? My insurance would go up, they’d have to pay even more for injuries, and I could kill someone. Do they think about that or any of the suffering that they refuse to relieve? What is the justification and rationale behind denial of care and why do people have to sue them every month for the rest of human history? Is Congress responsible for this? Is the administration responsible? Nobody seems to know which in itself causes suffering. Thank you Ben Krause for this forum because other veterans forums, if we speak out against the fraudulent system, we get banned! Veterans run those forums too!
RE: WW II Hero, Neil Korn’s recognition at age 102 years. Please do include details that are directly connected to the subject matter at hand such as his very senior years, details of his service, and details of his recognition for said service.
History matters, and this is also why the details of our history matter.
Please consider sparing us readers of tv hot air like this: applying “the Greatest Generation” to anyone less than
Whom in all the decades since the American Revolution and the signing onto the Constitution belongs to the generation called ‘the greatest generation’? Hardly applies to anyone other than Lincoln and FDR in the last century and a half. Justifying that tv rhetorical silliness by equating it in writing with our founders’ and very greatest giants of leadership since, and their respective accomplishments, seems to demean the seriousness of our origins and greatest historical giants, does it not?
What is wrong with doing something in the events of heroes like Mr. Neil Korn other than giving them a Congressional Medal of Honor, letting the award be presented by either the POTUS or the Vice Potus, and let them appropriately be honored officially, rather than with tv rhetorical hot air?
Great picture tovarish!!!