South Bend, Ind. — Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly awarded medals to four area veterans. The men honored today served in World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. Each of the veterans contacted Congressman Donnelly for assistance in obtaining these medals that they earned but never received.
“These men showed remarkable courage while serving our nation,” said Donnelly. “I am proud to present Leo, Branson, Thomas, and Robert with the medals they earned in combat, and I’m pleased that my office was able to help them obtain these medals. I encourage other veterans to contact my office if we can be of assistance in any way. We are blessed to enjoy the many freedoms we do because of American veterans’ sacrifices. I thank all veterans in north central Indiana for their service.”
Branson Hiatt of Walkerton is a World War II veteran who served with the U.S. Army. Hiatt volunteered for the draft in 1943, reached the rank of Corporal, and was assigned to the 31st Special Service Company as an athletic instructor. Following his service in the Army, Hiatt also spent eight years in the Naval Reserves. Today, Hiatt received the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, and Marksman Badge with Carbine Bar.
Thomas Stewart of Jimtown is a Korean War veteran who served with the U.S. Navy. During Stewart’s four years in the Navy, he was stationed on the USS Cimarron, a large tanker ship, and reached the rank of Seaman First Class. After his naval career, he served as Captain of the Mishawaka Fire Department for 22 years. Stewart was presented with the Navy Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Leo Rael of Mishawaka is a Vietnam War veteran who served with the U.S. Navy. Rael was stationed as a radarman on the USS Taussig during his four-year career with the Navy. Rael was presented with the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device.
Robert Lobosky of Plymouth is a Vietnam War veteran who served with the U.S. Army. Lobosky served with an infantry unit in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 and earned the rank of Sergeant. On February 17, 1968, Lobosky sustained shrapnel wounds to his right arm while under enemy fire. Today, he was presented with the Purple Heart that he never received following his service.
Congressman Donnelly’s office can assist veterans in obtaining medals they earned that they have either lost or never received. To learn how Congressman Donnelly’s office can assist you, a family member, or friend, please visit his website or call 574-288-2780.
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