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REP. WEINER PRESENTS FAMILIES WITH MEDALS
Queens, NY Tonight, Broad Channel recognized five local heroes, each of whom sacrificed all for freedom and their country over fifty years ago. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn) presented the families of five Korean War veterans with medals recognizing their bravery under fire and patriotism.
Every year, the Queens County American Legion holds its Annual Convention Parade. This year, in a ceremony before the parade, the families of five veterans from Broad Channel received medals that their loved ones earned while fighting the Korean War.
BROAD CHANNEL’S HEROES:
· Private First Class Thomas W. August, a member of the 224th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, will receive the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Last year, he received the Korean War Service Medal. He was killed in action on November 17, 1952, at the age of 20.
· Private Joseph De Pietro, a member of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, , will receive the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Last year, he received the Korean War Service Medal. He was killed while assisting a wounded comrade on October 10, 1951, at the age of 19.
· Private First Class James F. Farrell, a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, will receive the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Last year, he received the Korean War Service Medal. He was killed on November 10, 1952, at the age of 19, by enemy artillery fire.
· Private First Class Walter F. Gross, member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, will receive the Prisoner of War Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Last year, he received the Korean War Service Medal. He was taken prisoner of war on January 1, 1951, and died at POW Camp 12 on July 31, 1951 at the age of 23.
· Corporal Ralph R. Mitola, member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division will receive the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Last year, he received the Korean War Service Medal. He was killed by small arms fire on August 1, 1952, at the age of 21.
“I’m proud to be able to recognize five true American heroes,” said Rep. Weiner. “These medals honor their courage, their sacrifice, and the inspiration they provide to all of us.”
Last year, Weiner presented all five families with Korean War Service Medals.
Congressman Anthony D. Weiner
