Governor John Baldacci presented State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medals to 15 veterans during a ceremony at the State House Thursday. The veterans are former prisoners of war and Purple Heart recipients. The medal was first awarded to Maine veterans in August 2006, and is presented to those who have been wounded while serving their country and former POWs.
“It as an honor to be here two days before our country celebrates its independence to honor 19 amazing veterans,” Governor Baldacci said. “Your service to your country and your sacrifices for our freedom will never be forgotten.”
All of the Prisoners of War at the ceremony served during WWII. All of the Purple Heart Recipients at the ceremony served in Vietnam, with the exception of one who served in WWII.
The Governor was joined by United States Property and Fiscal Officer for Maine COL Don Lagace and Director of Veterans Services Peter Ogden in awarding the service medals to the veterans.
Since Governor Baldacci first dedicated the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal for veterans wounded in combat and former Prisoners of War, more than 500 Silver Star Medals have been presented to Maine veterans.
Below is the list of veterans recognized Wednesday, and the town in which they reside.
Prisoners of War
MAJ Peter J. Bramsen Harpswell WWII
CPL Ralph C. Damon Pittston WWII
S/Sgt Stewart H. Day Bath WWII
PFC Donald V. Dennison Spruce Head WWII
CPL Robert H. Howarth Nobleboro WWII
T/Sgt Orville L. Libby Monmouth WWII
T/Sgt Walter C. Rich Union WWII
S/Sgt Leonard E. Gaylord Winthrop WWII
Purple Heart Recipients
MSgt Ruel H. Anderson Cornish WWII
SP4 David E. Bowman Sr. Gorham Vietnam
SGT Elwyn E. Crocker Winthrop Vietnam
HMCS (ss) Roland W. Duprey Augusta Vietnam
SP5 Ryan D. Jennings Bowdoinham Vietnam
LTC Edward E. Langbein Brunswick Vietnam
SGT Edward F. Strong Eliot Vietnam
Individuals Honored Who Could Not Be at Thursday's Ceremony
PVT Conrad J. Poisson Lewiston
PVT Dante J. Piermarini Harpswell
PFC Roger A. Poulin Auburn
PFC Afton Farrin South Bristol
PVT Roger H. Chamberlain Lewiston
T/5 William L. Creamer Greene
PFC Joseph A. Donahue Gardiner
PFC Maynard R. Linscott Jr. Waldoboro
PFC Philip A. Roy Lisbon Falls
SGT Omar E. Sanborn Winslow
PFC Raymond E. Spenard Winslow
1LT Albert L. Farrah Kittery Point
PFC Kenneth Workman Belgrade
1SGT Kenneth Finlayson Portland
2LT Olga M. Finlayson Portland
CSF Alfred K. Fogg Freeport
T/3 Louis D. Germani Portland
T/5 Benjamin H. Lyons Waterville
T/5 Charles P. Magaw Vassalboro
CPL Elmer R. Shepard Wells
PFC Richard T. Sorenson Portland
SGT David L. Stevens Brunswick
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