Long Island, NY –Two Long Island veterans finally received the war medals they earned, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today. After receiving requests for assistance, Senator Gillibrand secured military service medals and fixed the records of veterans Alfred Jacobson and Herbert Klein.
“Our veterans should get the recognition they deserve for their service to our country, and I am pleased Mr. Klein and the late Mr. Jacobson received the honors that they earned for their brave service,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “We are grateful to them and all the brave service men and women who have honorably served our country.”
Alfred Jacobson served during World War II. His wife, Francine Jacobson made the inquiry to the Senator’s office to share her husband’s achievements with their grandson – giving the medals to him as a keepsake. Mrs. Jacobson received the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, and an Honorable Service Lapel Button.
“I wish to thank your office for making sure that my late husband’s medals from World War II were sent to me,” said Mrs. Jacobson. “I wanted these medals so that my grandson has some remembrance of his grandfather.”
Herbert Klein, requested assistance regarding his eligibility for additional medals. Mr. Klein served in the Ardennes, Central Europe, and Rhineland campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge. His files were originally destroyed due to a fire at the National Personal Records Center (NPRC) in 1973 but alternate records later allowed officials to determine that he was entitled to nine additional medals. Mr. Klein received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze service stars, the WWII Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button WII, and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.
“My desperate need for my awards due to me for my service in the U.S. Army during World War II have successfully been furnished to me by the diligent and constant follow-up of Senator Gillibrand,’ said Herbert Klein. “I will forever be indebted and forever be grateful to the Veterans Affairs unit.”
After working with the military to provide and approve the requisite documentation, Senator Gillibrand’s office secured the medals and provided them to the appropriate families.