TUNKHANNOCK - Four soldiers were finally recognized with medals for military service during a ceremony at the Wyoming County Courthouse on Tuesday.
"These war heroes represent a time span that encompasses an incredible period in American and world history," said Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, Hazleton, who presented the medals.
"They risked their very lives so that we could remain free and spread the ideals of liberty to millions of people around the world," he added. "These medals are long overdue, but by their presentation today, we are reminding everyone to always remember the sacrifices they made for this nation."
Receiving medals were:
n Ross Harvey (deceased), whose son-in-law John Collins was on hand. Mr. Harvey, of Tunkhannock, served in the Army from April 29, 1943, to Oct. 22, 1945. Mr. Harvey was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with one silver service star, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button.
n Wesley Virtue, who served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1947 to 1949 and the Marine Corps from January 1951 until December 1953. He received the Navy Unit Commendation awarded to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal with two Bronze campaign stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and the Rifle Marksman Badge. Mr. Virtue, of Tunkhannock, served during the Korean War in an anti-aircraft outfit maintaining electronic equipment.
n Miles Dooley, who served in the Navy from Sept. 12, 1967, to Sept. 2, 1969. Mr. Dooley, of Tunkhannock, was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal. Mr. Dooley served on the U.S. Bushnell AS15 as a submarine tender.
n Paul Hegedty, who served on active duty with the Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom from June 19, 2003, to Nov. 1, 2003, and continued his service with the Army Reserve until 2012. The Tunkhannock resident received the Global War on Terror Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal and Bronze Star attachment.
Contact the writer: pfarnelli@wcexaminer.com