Korean War veteran receives military service medals

Photo courtesy Rep. Jackie Walorski/Facebook Photo courtesy Rep. Jackie Walorski/Facebook Photo courtesy Rep. Jackie Walorski/Facebook Photo courtesy Rep. Jackie Walorski/Facebook Photo courtesy Rep. Jackie Walorski/Facebook

A Mishawaka Army veteran finally received his military service medals on Wednesday, more than 60 years after he earned them.

Vern Thompson served in the Army and Army Reserve from 1949 to 1953.

He never received his medals after serving in the Korean War, so Thompson's family requested the assistance of US Representative Jackie Walorski, R-Ind.

Congresswoman Walorski presented Thompson with the medals at a ceremony on Wednesday at her office in Mishawaka.

Thompson received the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, and United Nations Service Medal.Photo courtesy Rep. Jackie Walorski/Facebook

“Vern Thompson’s courage and unwavering patriotism never failed him as he defended our freedom in the U.S. Army,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “It was an honor to thank this brave Hoosier for his service and finally present him with the medals he earned in Korea so many years ago.”

Thompson returned to Mishawaka after basic training in 1949 and worked at the Studebaker Company. He was called to active duty several months later.

He married his wife Ruth six days before he reported for duty. They have been married 67 years.

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