Huizenga presents service medals to 5 area veterans

"It is one of my proudest moments in office to be able to present veterans and their families with the medals they earned sacrificing so much to serve their country and protect the freedoms we enjoy today," the Zeeland Republican congressman said. "I am especially honored to be able to see my father receive the full set of medals he earned while serving our nation in Italy during World War II."

Medals Presented:

World War II veterans

Medals earned by Congressman Huizenga's father, Gerald Huizenga of Zeeland, a staff sergeant in the Army Air Corps from 1942-47:

· European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Service Stars

· Distinguished Unit Citation

· Good Conduct Medal

· American Campaign Ribbon

· World War II Victory Medal

· Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII

Medals to be accepted by his son, Don Tubergen; earned by Arthur Tubergen of Muskegon, deceased, a sergeant in the Army from 1944-46:

· Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars

· Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Service Star

· World War II Victory Medal

· Purple Heart

· Good Conduct Medal

· Bronze Star Medal

Korean War veteran

Medals earned by Nicolaas Ellerbroek of Holland, a private 1st class in the Army from 1951-53:

· Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star

· United Nations Service Medal

· National Defense Service Medal

· Good Conduct Medal

Vietnam War Veterans

Medals earned by Richard Overway of Holland, a specialist 4th class in the Army from 1964-67:

· National Defense Service Medal

· Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars

· Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon

· Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar

Medals earned by Fred Troost of Holland, a specialist 4th class in the Army from 1968-70:

· National Defense Service Medal

· Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars

· Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon

· Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar