REP. LIPINSKI HONORS LOCAL VETERAN

Congressman Daniel Lipinski presented the very prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross Award and other medals to Specialist Joseph P. Stremplewski (Retired) four decades after he earned them for his heroism in the Vietnam War.

Joseph Stremplewski, a resident of Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood and officer with the Transportation Security Administration, earned the medal for acts of heroism on the night of December 11, 1966.  Stremplewki, a crew chief of a "Firefly" team, was alerted of enemy traffic on a nearby river.  His team had the task of illuminating enemy sampan supply boats so that they could be sunk by other helicopters.  This was very dangerous because the light drew intense fire from the enemy.  While under intense fire, Stremplewski calmly kept the light on the enemy boats, ultimately leading to the destruction
of 69 of them.

Stremplewski was nominated for the Distinguished Flying Cross when he was discharged.  The U.S. Army did not, however, send him the medals until he contacted Congressman Dan Lipinski's office to intercede.

"It gives me great pleasure to know that my office was able to help him.  I'm proud to have met this man who valiantly fought for our country," said Lipinski.