by LAREIGN WARD, Press Argus-Courier Staff Wednesday, December 24, 2008 9:58 AM CST
Five U.S. servicemen were presented with medals in a ceremony Monday morning.
The medals were presented by Congressman John Boozman, R-Rogers, and his office's military liaison, Steve Gray.
Four veterans were present to accept their honors, while the grandson of a World War II vet accepted them on behalf of his late grandfather.
"We appreciate you all," Boozman told the audience who gathered in the Division II Circuit Court gallery. "We not only appreciate you, we really do owe you a debt of gratitude, both you and your families, for your service."
Those honored Monday were:
Gary Schriver of Van Buren served in the Navy between the Korean and Vietnam wars and in the midst of the Cold War heat-up. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy "E" Ribbon for being in a squadron that won a battle efficiency competition.
William Maynard of Kibler enlisted in the Army at age 19 and fought in World War II as part of the 702nd Tank Battalion. In a letter praising him for his service, Boozman thanks him "for giving up your youth so others could live the rest of their long lives in freedom." Maynard received the Army Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and Germany Occupation Medal.
Chester Cates of Van Buren served in three different branches of service over more than a decade, starting in 1952. His service included a stint in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Cates received the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal.
The late Tade Self of Fort Smith was honored with medals, which were accepted by his grandson, Sean Boyd. Self joined the Army three weeks before the Pearl Harbor attack, and fought in the war as part of the 32nd Infantry Division. He was honored with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and World War II Victory Medal.
Roy Newman of Fort Smith left his job as a mill worker to enlist in the Army three-and-a-half years after World War II ended. He was in the reserves until June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea, launching the Korean War. For his service with the First Calvary Division, Newman received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Korean Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal, along with the Combat Infantryman Badge.
The medals were awarded after family members of the servicemen contacted Boozman's office.
