Medals to be presented today by Gen. John Wickham
TUCSON – Military medals secured by U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords for a Tucson couple who served in the Korean War will be presented today at the congresswoman’s District Office in Tucson.
Presenting the medals on behalf of the congresswoman will be retired Gen. John Wickham, a Korean War veteran who served as Army Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan.
Wickham will present the medals to Levon and Mildred Raybon. The couple met during the war and on Sunday celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
Mr. Raybon asked the congresswoman to help secure the medals last month so he could give them to his wife on their anniversary. Mrs. Raybon is a member of the Paiute nation who is terminally ill. The couple, both in their late 80s, has lived in Tucson since 1972.
The couple’s service records were destroyed in a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. At the request of the congresswoman, their military files were reconstructed to confirm they were entitled to receive the medals.
Mr. Raybon will receive the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Mrs. Raybon will receive a World War II Victory Medal, the Women’s Army Corp Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.
WHAT: Medal presentation to Levon and Mildred Raybon
WHEN: 3 p.m. TODAY
WHERE: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ Tucson District Office, 1661 N. Swan, Suite 112