World War II vet, 86, finally gets his medals

"Sterling Heights -- Uncle Sam sent Jewell Jackson an early Christmas present this year: medals he earned in combat during World War II.
After fighting at Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day and serving out his time overseas in the Army during the war, the 86-year-old from Sterling Heights went home with only ribbons for sharpshooting and good conduct, he said.

"I never did anything special," said Jackson, his voice tinged with a Southern accent. "Like everyone else, I just wanted to get back home."

A few months ago, a nephew urged the venerable vet to ask the National Archives and Records Administration and the Army for the medals he was awarded after the war, but never received. The medals showed up at Jackson's Sterling Heights home a couple of weeks ago, he said.

Jackson received a total of five: a Good Conduct Medal, a European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, an Army of Occupation Medal, a World War II Victory Medal and an Army Rifle Sharpshooting medal.


He also received five service stars, or battle stars, on his European Campaign medal, for never missing a single day of combat during the war.
When asked which one of the decorations he was most proud of, Jackson simply replied: "I'm proud of all of them."

Long overdue...

World War II vet, 86, finally gets his medals | detnews.com | The Detroit News

 

Thanks for sharing Jon... always a pleasure reading these stories

Jem

 

that vet must be really happy right now