MEDIA ADVISORY
Matheson to Award Medals to WWII Navy Heroes

Ceremony Scheduled July 3rd in Memory Grove

Salt Lake City, UT—Congressman Jim Matheson will present a Purple Heart and two Navy and Marine Corps Medals, among other citations, to two Utah World War II Navy veterans the day before the July 4th holiday.  The ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the World War II Memorial in Memory Grove (485 North Canyon Drive)

Matheson’s office was instrumental in pushing through the necessary paperwork to ensure delivery of the medals that were earned by Robert “Bob” Strong, 83, of Helper and George Plant, 84, of Murray.  They served together in combat, including the historic April 9, 1945 assault on Okinawa.

“These two Utah Navy heroes are among only 23 survivors in the country who served on the USS Chenango- a Navy aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of the Pacific, among fights,” said Matheson. “It is an honor for me to thank them – belatedly-for their extraordinary service.”

WHO:            Congressman Jim Matheson, WWII Veterans Robert “Bob” Strong and George Plant; Utah National Guard Adj. Gen. Brian Tarbet; 96th Regional Readiness Command Maj. General Peter Cooke; family members

WHAT:   Medals award ceremony, including Purple Heart, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, Navy and Marine Corps Medal (for valor in action)

WHEN:   Thursday, July 3rd, 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Memory Grove, WWII Memorial, 485 North Canyon Drive, Salt Lake City

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