Mark Pryor - United States Senator of Arkansas Arkansas First
 

November 9, 2006
Press Release

Pryor Presents Military Medals to Huntsville Veteran

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Mark Pryor today will present Ret. Sergeant James E. Travis with several long-awaited military medals he earned during his service in World War II.

Pryor said Travis never received the proper recognition for his leadership during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, where he served as a buck sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division and successfully led a squad trapped behind enemy lines out of danger. The Battle of the Bulge is considered one of the bloodiest battles of World War II with an estimated 19,000 American casualties. When the Germans lost this important battle, it was clear they had lost the war.

“Mr. Travis’ leadership during World War II was exceptional, and he deserves due recognition for brave acts of courage that saved the lives of his soldiers and contributed to the positive outcome of the war,” Pryor said. “I am honored to present him with these long overdue medals as a token of our nation’s gratitude.”

During a Town Hall Meeting hosted by Pryor in Huntsville, AR, Travis asked the Senator to investigate his eligibility for the Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Pryor learned that the veteran’s courageous service also qualified him for the Distinguished Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. He delivered the medals to Travis today at the McClellan Veterans Administration Hospital.

Pryor said helping veterans receive the awards and benefits they earned is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job, and he encourages other veterans to contact his office if they need similar assistance.

“We must care for our veterans as they have cared for us. Every one of our men and women in uniform deserve recognition for their sacrifice, and I’m working to improve their benefits each and every day,” Pryor said. “With Veterans Day around the corner, I hope Arkansans will join me in thanking our veterans for their sacrifice and for the freedoms we all enjoy as a result.”

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Three Stars