Medals awarded to veteran, family
Tallmadge Express – Two local veterans were among several presented with overdue or replacement medals for service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam at two different ceremonies in August.
PFC Henry Skowronski, a World War II veteran, and 11 others were honored before a charity football game between Mayfield High School and Medina High School Aug. 27 at Browns Stadium. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, presented the medals.
Seaman 1st Class William Oreolt, a World War II veteran who died in 2006, and six others were honored before the start of an Akron Aeros game Aug. 28 at Canal Park. Representatives of Brown’s office, assisted by Akron native and retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Dan Hahn, presented medals at that ceremony.
“Ohio’s veterans made invaluable contributions to our fight for worldwide peace and democracy,” Brown said in a press release. “Our state’s service members have answered the call to action without delay throughout our nation’s history.”
Skowronski was presented with the Bronze Star on Aug. 27, which adds to his array of other medals and distinctions that include the Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Distinguished Unit Badge and POW Medal. Most recently, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2009.
Skowronski, who humbly declined to comment on the recognition, joined the Army in 1943 and trained as an X-ray technician.
