Washington, Aug 9 -

 
On Monday, August 7th, Congressman Scott Garrett hosted a ceremony to honor local Korean War veterans for their service. Garrett and Colonel Stephen Abel, NJ Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs presented the Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Korean Commemorative Service Medal to seven area veterans.

"I was deeply humbled to be able to present these medals of recognition to these veterans to whom we all owe so much," said Garrett. "Through their heroism and courage, we are free today, and these medals were but a small symbol of our nation’s gratitude for their service."

The medals were awarded to the following:

Edward Caputo, of Emerson, for his service in the Marine Corps

Gerald DeSimone, of Ridgewood, for his service in the Army

Henry Douma, a resident of Wyckoff, for his service in the Air Force

Ernest Merker, a resident of Hawthorne, for his service in the Army

Frederick Singer, a resident of Woodcliff Lake, for his service in the Marine Corps

Philip Sullivan, a resident of New Milford, for his service in the Marine Corps

Elmer Winterfeld, a resident of Hasbrouck Heights, for his service in the Navy

Photographs are available from the ceremony. For copies, please contact Audrey Jones at Audrey.jones@mail.house.gov or 202-225-4465.

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