In The News

Congressman Brad Wenstrup honored several deceased veterans during a medal ceremony Sept. 13 in Union Township.

The veterans who were honored at the ceremony were Specialist 5 Edward Harnishfeger of the United States Army Reserves, Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Pugh of the United States Navy, Seaman Cordell Sherrill of the United States Navy Reserves, and Technician 4 Stevie Shoemaker of the United States Army.

Family members of the men were present at the ceremony to receive the medals.

“It is your friends and relatives who have kept us safe in this country,” Wenstrup said during the ceremony. “I want to thank you for the opportunity. It is an honor to stand here before you and present these medals.”

Linda Erickson received the medals on behalf of her father Edward Harnishfeger.

Harnishfeger served in the United States Army Reserves and received the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Marksman Badge with rifle bar.

“I am proud of him for his service to the country to defend our freedom,” Erickson said.

She said even though her father has passed away, it is nice to be able to honor him.

Bonnell Shirrell received her late husband, Cordell Shirrell’s medals during the ceremony.

“It means a lot to me,” Shirrell said about receiving the medals. “I am proud of the country and my family who served.”

Cordell Sherrill served in the US Navy Reserves during World War II. He received the Philippine Liberation Medal, Philippine Independence Medal, Philippine Defense Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Military Civic Action Medal, and Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Badge.

Shirrell introduced several other members of her family who attended the ceremony who have also served in the military including her brothers and grandson.

James Shoemaker received the medals of his late father Stevie Shoemaker during the ceremony.

Stevie Shoemaker served in the United States Army during World War II. He received the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with triple bronze star attachment, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with triple bronze star attachment, Honorable Service Lapel Button World War II, and the Expert Badge and Carbine Bar.

Shoemaker said he is honored to accept his father’s medals.

Benjamin Thomas Pugh Jr., received his father’s medals during the ceremony.

Benjamin Pugh Sr., was killed in action during the Korean War. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Purple Heart Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star attachment, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and Gold Star Lapel Button.

“I was always interested to have (the medals) and continue my dad’s legacy to my children and their children,” Pugh said.

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