For Release: Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO PRESENTS MILITARY MEDALS TO ANNA AREA VETERAN

Carbondale, IL - A World War II veteran from Anna, Illinois was honored by receiving his military medals on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 from U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL). Congressman Costello presented the medals to Sebastian "Jack" Oberding, Jr. at a ceremony held at the Congressman's District office in Carbondale, Illinois.

Mr. Oberding served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952. Three of his four years of service were in Korea. During his service in Korea in 1950, Mr. Oberding was shot in an encounter with enemy forces which entitled him to a Purple Heart.

In addition to the Purple Heart, Congressman Costello awarded Mr. Oberding the Good Conduct Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and Japan Clasp, the National Defense Service medal, the Korean Service Medal and Bronze star attachment, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the United Nations Service Medal.

Mr. Oberding contacted Congressman Costello's office asking for his assistance in securing his medals after he was unable to secure them on his own. The Congressman's Carbondale District office is in the Paul Simon Federal Building located at 250 West Cherry Street in Carbondale, Illinois.

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