By Kristin Rover
Sun staff
Congressman Brad Wenstrup held a medal ceremony in Union Township Nov. 10, the day before Veterans Day.
Family members of two late veterans and a World War II veteran were present at the ceremony to receive the medals.
Wenstrup said timing for the ceremony was perfect.
“The night before Veterans Day we have the opportunity to thank those who have served,” Wenstrup said.
Wenstrup said he is honored to be able to present the long-overdue medals to veterans or the surviving family members.
“It’s a tremendous privilege as a representative to be able to work with my staff and get those,” Wenstrup said about the medals.
Judy Hanks, of Withamsville, received medals on behalf of her late father Private Raymond Lee Clevenger of the United States Army.
Wenstrup said Clevenger served in the Army during World War II and was injured during battle.
For his service he received The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service star attachments, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Honorable Service Lapel Button, and Croix de Guerre.
Hanks said her father was a hero and spent most of his life serving the country. Hanks said she is glad to finally have his medals.
“I am eternally grateful,” Hanks said. “I will be able to share them with my children and grandchildren.”
Sisters Gail, Donna and Susan Merkle, all of Cincinnati, received medals for their late uncle Corporal Howard Merkle of the United States Army.
Wenstrup said Howard Merkle served in the Army during the Korean war and was killed in action.
For his service Merkle received The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Purple Heart, The National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Starpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar.
Donna Merkle said their family, including her father who was unable to be there, is thankful to receive the medals of Howard Merkle.
“He was always a hero to our family,” Merkle said.
Lastly Wenstrup presented medals to Howard Constable a veteran who served in the United States Navy during World War II.
Constable received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star attachment, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Discharge Button, Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and Philippine Liberation Medal.
Constable said he feels fortunate he was able to come home from war.
“I want to thank all the veterans who are not here and gave their lives,” Constable said. “I am glad I served my country.”