DREIER TO PRESENT MEDALS TO WWII VET

August 26, 2002

Congressman David Dreier will present medals to WWII Veteran Arthur D. Holmes of Alta Loma on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at 12:30 PM at a ceremony to be conducted at the Congressman’s District Office in Glendora.

Mr. Holmes enlisted in the United States Army on December 23, 1941. On July 31, 1944, he landed in Normandy with the 377th Engineer Regiment and continued to serve in Europe with the 394th Infantry Division during the occupation of Germany. Mr. Holmes was honorably discharged from service on November 9, 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Sgt. Holmes served in the first integrated combat unit in the U.S. Army and will be featured in David P. Colley’s upcoming book on the unit entitled “Blood for Dignity”, scheduled for release in January 2003.

At Tuesday’s ceremony he will receive the follow medals: The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and his Marksman Badge.

Congressman Dreier obtained Mr. Holmes’ medals for him after he read an article about another veteran who received his medals as a result of the Congressman’s efforts.

WHO/WHAT:	Medal Ceremony for Arthur Holmes
WHEN:	Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at 12:30 PM
WHERE:	Rep. David Dreier’s District Office 2220 East Route 66, Suite 225 Glendora, CA (Thomas Guide Grid 570-A6)