South Bend, IN—Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly presented medals to seven veterans during a ceremony at the Military Honor Park in South Bend.
“I am honored to present these medals to seven of our country’s most admirable men,” Donnelly said. “The service that our veterans give to our country is a selfless act that we can never thank them for enough. While these medals could never truly show our appreciation, they are a small token of how grateful we all are to the men and women who serve our nation.”
Veterans and their families are reminded to contact Congressman Donnelly’s district office at (574)288-2780 if they are missing any of their earned medals.
The following veterans received medals:
Donald Kiser: Mr. Kiser served in the United States Army during World War II. He will be presented with the World War II Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button: WWII, the Good Conduct Medal, the Air Medal with four Bronze Star Attachments, the American Campaign Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Star Attachments.
William Kierein: Mr. Kierein passed away, but his grandson, James Taylor, will be accepting medals on behalf of his grandfather’s service in the United States Army during World War II. He will be presented with the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and double Bronze Star Attachment, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button: WWII.
Donald Nichols: Mr. Nichols served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He will be presented with the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Richard Podell: Mr. Podell served in the United States Army during World War II. He will be presented with the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and Bronze Star Attachment, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button: WWII.
Ludwig Matzat: Mr. Matzat served in the United States Army during World War II. He will be presented with the Bronze Star Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button: WWII.
Ernie Ringo: Mr. Ringo served in the United States Navy. Though he enlisted during the Vietnam War, Ernie was prevented from serving in that theatre of operation as his brother was already deployed there. He will be presented with the National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.
William Long: Mr. Long served in the United States Army and completed tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. After his release from active duty, he has continued to serve in the Indiana National Guard. He will be presented with the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver “W” Bar, the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, and the Parachutist Badge.
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