FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                 Contact: Lesley Sillaman
November 10, 2003                                                                                                                (202) 225-3661
                                                                                                                                  www.house.gov/delauro

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) presented military medals to three American veterans at a ceremony Monday morning. The ceremony, at the West Haven Veterans Administration including presentations of the Korean War Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal to three area veterans.

“These men have served their country well, and we are proud of them,” said DeLauro. “John, Edward and David have demonstrated an admirable sense of duty and honor to their country and I am so pleased to present them with this much-deserved medals.”

John J. Grammatico of Hamden is receiving the Korean War Service Medal. Grammatico served in the U.S. Army from January, 1951 through January, 1954, with the 622^nd Engineer Group in Korea. He is retired after a 30-year career as a Field Agent for the Prudential Insurance Company.

Edward V. Manzi of New Haven is receiving the Good Conduct Medal after service in the Connecticut National Guard. He joined in 1948 and served with Company C, the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Division. Manzi went into active duty in September, 1950 and was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class and attended Leadership School at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky with the 101st Airborne Division. He received four letters of Commendation in 1951 and served as part of the Army of occupation in Germany from 1951 to 1952. At the end of his active duty, he received the Army Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

David R. Jacobs of Branford is receiving the National Defense Service Medal. Jacobs is a Vietnam era veteran who trained with the 82nd Officers Candidate Class of the United States Marine Corps, in 1973, at Quantico, Virginia. Mr. Jacobs is a former Conrail and New Haven Police Officer and a former Police Commissioner in Branford. He currently serves as a Unit Commissioner with the Connecticut Yankee Council of Boy Scouts of America.

“Particularly this year, with Veterans Day celebrations taking place across the country, it is important to remember both the men and women who have served in the past, and those currently serving country overseas and in Iraq. You have the thanks of a grateful nation.”