By Lori EhdeLuverne’s Warren Herreid now has his World War II medals nearly 60 years after completing his service in the 103rd Infantry Division.He’s glad he bothered with the paperwork to finally receive them, and he’s encouraging all veterans of all wars to send for the medals that are due to them."Even though it makes very little difference to me, personally at this point in my life," Herreid said, "when I’m gone, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren might want to know what Grandpa did in the war."During Herreid’s service in WWII, he fought in historic blood baths, such as Rhine Land and the Battle of the Bulge. He was a communications specialist.When the war ended and it was time to go home, few soldiers were interested in medals. "At the time, no one had the time to get their medals," Herreid said. "We knew we were authorized, and it was in your discharge papers what medals you were eligible for, so most people said, ‘I want to go home.’"The military simply documented their services and discharged them with a tiny gold lapel pin, a flying eagle, that signified they’d been honorably discharged.For a long time, that tiny "ruptured duck," as the soldiers affectionately referred to it, was all they needed for recognition."It signified that you had been in the service and served your country," Herreid said."World War II veterans were very fortunate. The citizens treated you with respect. By being a veteran, there were a lot of benefits helping us to get caught up in the civilian world."There were some perks for available jobs. For example, veterans got extra points in job selection for government positions.Also, the GI Bill, among other perks, helped veterans go to college.Box full of hardwareAmong the boxful of medals Herreid earned during his 21 years of total service, he values a few above the others.The Bronze Star, for example, is given to servicemen for heroic acts in combat. The Combat Infantryman’s Badge is to the infantryman as the Silver Wings are to the pilot. "It says, ‘You were there and did that,’" Herreid said.Also special is his Bronze Star, which is given for valor under enemy gunfire.At one point, Herreid received minor shrapnel injuries while repairing a communication line under artillery fire between his battalion and headquarters.When the medic started filling out paperwork to award him a Purple Heart, he declined."Having many friends and comrades who suffered serious wounds, lost limbs and even their lives in battle … With my minor Band-Aid wound, I couldn’t in good conscience accept this prestigious medal," Herreid said."Those, like my good friend, John Gordon Johnson, who honestly earned this award with their sacrifices are the true heroes of the war."He doesn’t like the fact that people can buy medals from magazines, flea markets and gun shows with no documentation. "I think it is special to receive the awards from the U.S. Government and the service branch they served in," Herreid said.To obtain service medals, veterans need to send a request in writing, asking that their medals be issued to them. Families of deceased veterans can request medals on behalf of their loved ones.Along with letters of requests, writers need to send copies of both sides of discharge papers.The address is:National Personnel Record Center-Entitlement to Awards Division9700 Page Blvd.St. Louis, Mo, 63132Servicemen and families of deceased veterans who need to locate copies of discharge papers can request those by writing to:National Personnel Record Center9700 Page Ave.St. Louis, Mo., 63132-5100Herreid encourages all veterans to take steps to get their medals. "I think they should do it. It’s free, and the government would like to have you do it," Herreid said.He said it’s an important step in preserving family histories."So many veterans say it doesn’t mean much to them now in their later life, but the point here is that it isn’t for them," Herreid said. "It’s for their families and those who follow. It’s a heritage thing."In addition to applying for their medals, Herreid encourages veterans to share their war experiences with those close to them."Make sure you tell your story. It will mean something to them and their grandchildren," he said.
