“Every American is indebted to brave soldiers like Erwin Jacobson who fought for our freedom and won a victory against all odds.  It is my honor to stand with a member of the ‘Greatest Generation,’” Schakowsky said

Mr. Jacobson is a longtime resident of Skokie.  He has spent years attempting to obtain medals related to his military service and recently contacted Schakowsky seeking her assistance.  Almost 60 years after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Mr. Jacobson, a retired small business owner, finally received his medals and due recognition from the US government following Schakowsky’s intervention.    

Mr. Jacobson, who served in the Army during WW II from 1942 to 1945, was honorably discharged on December 10, 1945.  During his time with the 715 Amphibious Corps as Radio Repairman, he participated in the invasion of Saipan and Tinian in the Mariana Islands in the North Pacific Island.  His unit received the Presidential Unit Citation.  In 1993, he began trying in earnest to secure his medals.  In one of his many letters to the Army Personnel Center, Mr. Jacobson wrote, “I do not wish to be decorated posthumously.” In another letter he said, “I would like to receive these medals while I am still alive.”  

Mr. Jacobson has stated that he wishes to pass on his decorations to his only grandchild.  She is now 10 years old.  The medals awarded to Mr. Jacobson were:
 
• Presidential Unit Citation
• Good Conduct Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 bronze service star
• World War II Victory Medal
• Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII