Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - During a ceremony held Friday at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, Congressman Brian Higgins presented over 30 medals and ribbons earned by seven local veterans to their families, medals that have not been received until today, for the service to the country.
"Today, we pay tribute to Western New York veterans representing three military branches, who served a span of time ranging from World War II to the Gulf War," said Congressman Higgins. "Military serve not for recognition, but only for the country and the people that they love. Doing so, many return home after battle, never receiving a welcome recognition or honors that they are owed."
Listen to WBEN now!
Gunner's Mate Raymond Vargo
Raymond Michael Vargo, who will celebrate his 100th birthday next Wednesday, was presented with several medals and ribbons for his service in WWII over 80 years ago as a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class in the United States Navy, where he served in Pacific Theater campaigns including battles in Saipan and Iwo Jima.
He was awarded with the WWII Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver and two bronze stars, among others.
Private First Class Frank Ivancic
Ivancic enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served as a gunman in Battery C of the 496th AAA Gun Battalion during WWII. While battling for his county, he suffered Malaria, stationed in the jungle. He, like Vargo, was involved in the campaign to liberate the Philippines in the Asian Pacific Theatre.
He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, among others.
Sergeant Steven Obe
Steven Obe enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967, where he rose through the ranks up to the rank of Sergeant by the age of 21. He served six years before his honorable discharge in 1973.
Sgt. Obe was awarded with the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service starts.
Corporal Stanley Obe
Stanley Obe, father of Steven Obe, was deployed with the US Army in March of 1943, where he was stationed in Egypt and central Europe as a radar crewman, he was engaged in the Central Europe and Rhineland campaigns with the 463rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion.
On behalf of his father, Steven Obe and his family accepted the medals awarded to Corporal Obe, which includes the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.
Specialist Michael Obe
Michael Obe, brother of Steven Obe, served six years in the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Specialist while being stationed in Germany. He passed away in 2021. His family excepted his honors which included a Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar, and Marksman Badge and Grenade Bar.
Yeoman Second Class Gwen Hawkins-Rutledge
Hawkins-Rutledge served 16 years in the United States Navy, where she rose to the rank of Yeoman Second Class. Her service includes support in the Gulf War's Operation Desert Storm, assisting the Marines in the invasion of Grenada, and response following Hurricane Hugo in Puerto Rico.
For her years, she was awarded with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal, among others.
Sergeant Thomas Schroeder
Thomas Schroeder, Niagara Falls, N.Y. born and raised, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 at the age of 19 to serve during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1968.
Sargeant Schroeder was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device.
--
Hear the full ceremony in the player below: