Four WWII veterans receive overdue medals

Four World War II veterans were presented with long-overdue World War II Victory medals and service lapel pins on Friday during a Veterans Day ceremony in Fayetteville.

And one of the veterans, retired Army Tech. 4 James W. Kennedy, was also awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during battle in Germany in April 1945.

“I remember that day,” Kennedy, 95, said in an interview. “It was a tough day. From start to finish.”

He said he did “the best I could” during the combat.

The Veteran’ Legacy Foundation found that the four men were due these medals but never received them. U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson and N.C. National Guard Capt. James Watters presented the awards.

In addition to Kennedy, the veterans are who received the Victory Medals and service pins are:
• 94-year-old retired Staff Sgt. John C. Owen.
• 90-year-old William C. Wade, and
• 91-year-old retired Sgt. James E. Harris.

The veterans’ family members were proud of their service and appreciative of the awards.

Kennedy’s granddaughter, Lisa Hall of Fayetteville, said he always focused on his troops.

“He never wanted to be behind a desk,” she said. “He had the opportunity, but he always wanted to be out in the field, so he never took those promotions.”

The country needs to continue to pay such respects to veterans such as these men, Hudson said.

“It’s important that we honor them because the World War II generation’s not going to be around forever,” Hudson said. “Every day we’re losing more and more, so it’s important that future generations see us honoring what these men did.”