Veteran Service Officer Roger Young, left, presents medals to World War II veteran Joe Sheatzley, center.

Veteran Service Officer Roger Young, left, presents medals to World War II veteran Joe Sheatzley, center.
By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

A ceremony was held Oct. 21 at the Clermont County Veterans’ Service Commission to present medals to Joe Sheatzley, a World War II veteran from Union Township.

Sheatzley was a sonar operator on the U.S.S. Bailey for the United States Navy during World War II.

Clermont County Veterans’ Service Commission Executive Director Howard Daugherty and veteran service officer Roger Young presented Sheatzley with his medals during the ceremony.

Young said he is honored to present Sheatzley with the medals.

“We appreciate your service to the country and all you did,” Young said.

Young presented Sheatzley with the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal.

In addition to his service, Sheatzley is also involved with the American Legion.

“I am so proud of you Mr. Sheatzley,” Daugherty said.

Sheatzley said it was an honor to receive the medals.

“It’s an honor, and I really appreciate what you’ve done for me,” he said. “I was one of the lucky ones that came back. Those are the real guys who never got to come home.”

Sheatzley said if he had to do it all over again, he would.

“I am proud to be an American, I can tell you that,” Sheatzley said. “There is no country better.”

Sheatzley said he is also thankful for his family for always being there for him.

He was joined at the ceremony by his wife Mary Ann, daughter Janice, daughter Susan and her husband Art, granddaughter Natalia and her husband Paul, and great-granddaughter Bailey Rose, who was named after the ship Sheatzley served on during the war.