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Monticello, NY - In an effort to recognize the contributions of former U.S. service members, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today presented overdue war medals to three local veterans: World War II veteran Eugene B. Young, Jr. of Wurtsboro, New York, World War II veteran John Simihtis of Montgomery, New York, and Vietnam War veteran George W. Becker of Wurtsboro, New York. Hinchey's office worked on behalf of two of the veterans to obtain the medals for the veterans upon learning that they had yet to receive them. The Sullivan County Veterans Agency obtained the medals for the third veteran.
"All Americans are extremely grateful for the personal sacrifices these three men made for their country," Hinchey said. "Each one of these veterans contributed their talents and hard work to further this nation's war efforts and in the process, risked their own safety during their service in our armed forces. These medals are symbolic of all their efforts on behalf of the United States. I'm honored to present these medals today and encourage all other local veterans who have never received the medals they've earned to contact my office so I can help obtain the medals for them that they deserve."
Hinchey presented Eugene B. Young, Jr. with the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and the Naval Discharge Button. Young served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from April 1944 until to July 1946. When World War II broke out in 1941, Young was 14 years old. He tried at that time to enlist and was turned down due to his young age. He went back to the recruiting center at age 16 and was allowed to sign up and begin his military service at age 17, at which time he left high school in Brooklyn before he could graduate. After going through boot camp and then being sent to California, Young was assigned to a Victory Ship as an Armed Guard. He held the rank of Coxswain (now equivalent to Boson Mate) and served as Master at Arms, overseeing the security of the Naval Supply Depot base at which he served. At that time, this naval base was the most advanced outpost or closest base to military operations in the Pacific which served the Allied War operations. Young was also presented with a high school diploma at today's medal ceremony, which was awarded to him several years ago based on his military service.
John Simihtis was presented with the Mediterranean Middle East War Zone Bar & Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Merchant Marine Emblem, the Honorable Service Button, and a Presidential Testimonial Letter. He is also scheduled to receive the Atlantic War Zone Bar & Medal, which has not yet arrived from the military. Simihtis served from 1942 to 1975 in the Merchant Marines, which during World War II was part of the U.S. Coast Guard. Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Simihtis and two friends decided to go down to the recruitment office and sign up for the war effort. His two friends became fighter pilots and were killed in action during the war. Simihtis served on vessels that brought supplies to the Allies in WWII. These ships traveled in convoys of 75-100 ships and were often vulnerable to attack by German submarines. Simihtis' convoys were hit on several occasions and he ended up saving the lives of several fellow servicemen whose ships had been sunk by the Germans off the coast of England.
The congressman presented George W. Becker with the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (double), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device (1960), the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Expert Badge & Rifle Bar, and the Marksman Badge & Auto Rifle Bar. Becker served in the Army during the Vietnam War from June 1969 to December 1971. In addition to his war service, Becker served a total of 13 years as an active and reserve member of the National Guard. He served as a Schnook Helicopter Mechanic after attending aviation high school in Queens. These helicopters were used for combat resupply. Becker served in the 243rd Aviation Company, which was stationed in Dong Ba Thin, Vietnam. He worked on Assault Support Helicopters and volunteered on three separate occasions to be a "dog gunner" on the helicopters during air missions.
Hinchey, who served in the Navy, is a strong advocate for veterans' issues. He has continuously fought in Congress to ensure full and expanded funding of veterans health care and has vigorously opposed cuts to veterans' benefits that President Bush and the Republican Congress have proposed.
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