KATKO PRESENTS OVERDUE PURPLE HEART TO FAMILY OF WWI VETERAN

Syracuse, NY – In a ceremony this morning at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24) presented the Purple Heart Medal to the family of the late John D. Smith for wounds sustained while serving in World War I in Vele River, France. 

In October 2015, upon discovering that his late grandfather’s discharge papers showed injuries sustained from Mustard Gas, Paul Smith II contacted Representative Katko for assistance in obtaining the Purple Heart Medal.  The family knew that Mr. Smith had been wounded, but had previously been unaware that he was eligible for this award.  Following a congressional inquiry to the U.S Department of the Army, Representative Katko was able to secure this medal.  John D. Smith’s son, Paul Smith – a WWII Veteran, and his grandson, Paul Smith II, both of Auburn, accepted the awards at today’s ceremony.

“It was my distinct honor to assist the family of John D. Smith in acquiring the Purple Heart Medal, and to present it to them today – nearly 100 years after he was wounded,” said Representative Katko at today’s ceremony. “At the young age of 30, Mr. Smith put his life on the line for our country to ensure our freedom. Today, we honor him for that with this medal and we pay tribute to him as an American hero.”

John D. Smith, of Elbridge, enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 30 years old.  His served with Company H, 2d Battalion, 308th Infantry Regiment, 154th Infantry Brigade, 77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces in France.  He was wounded in August, 1918.

In addition to the Purple Heart, Representative Katko presented Mr. Smith’s family with the World War I Victory Medal with Oise-Aisne and Meuse-Argonne Bronze Battle Clasps and France Service Claps, as well as World War I Victory Button – Silver. 

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States Armed forces who have been wounded or killed as the result of hostile actions while actively serving our country.

Congressman John Katko represents the 24th Congressional District, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County.  For more information, please visithttps://katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko

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