Community Corner
Navy Veteran Surprised With War Medals Decades After Service
According to a report in the Lowell Sun, World War II veteran Dick Holland never sought his medals upon returning home from service.
A 92-year-old World War II Navy veteran was surprised with his previously unclaimed medals of honor during a party at his daughter's Tewksbury home over the weekend. The celebration came more than 60 years after he earned the awards while flying over the Pacific Ocean.
The Lowell Sun reported that on Saturday, Dick Holland's family surprised him with his Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and American Campaign Medal after working to track them down along with a certificate of appreciation from the United States Navy.
After he served as a Navy pilot more than two years, Holland returned home. Rather than claiming the medals he had earned, he instead was eager to marry his high school girlfriend, Mary Stringer, and went on to starting his family and building a career.
"Talk about the Greatest Generation," said Gene Kee, who is Holland's daughter Ellen's husband, according to the Lowell Sun report.
Click here to read the Lowell Sun report about Holland's accomplishments.
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