WWII veteran presented with long-overdue service medals

By U.S. Sen. Angus King
(I-Maine)

Our veterans have put everything on the line for this country, and they deserve to be recognized for their service and sacrifice. One such veteran is Joseph G. Hoerth of Westport Island, who earned several medals for his service in the Army during World War II but, for various reasons, never received them. That changed earlier in January, when I had the honor of presenting him the Bronze Star Medal, the Prisoner of War Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge during a ceremony in my Augusta office. These medals are a testament to Joe’s extraordinary service to our nation, as he and millions of other brave Americans fought for the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today.

A combat veteran and two-time prisoner of war, Joe joined the Army and served in the 106th Infantry Division during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was captured and held as a prisoner of war along with two of his childhood friends serving in the same unit. The trio was able to escape and began a harrowing 6-day, 60-mile trek through German occupied territory in harsh late-winter conditions. Joe and one of his friends were re-captured just miles from reaching U.S. Army units, but later managed to escape again and finally return to U.S. controlled territory.

After his service in Europe, Joe’s regiment received a memo from an Army officer outlining the awards and decorations for which they may be eligible. However, due to several factors, including that his former commanding officer had been hospitalized with tuberculosis, Joe never received his decorations. Last fall, he reached out to my office to request assistance in securing the awards, and over the course of several months, my staff worked with the Department of the Army to secure them. I’m pleased to say Joe now has the medals he rightfully earned.

And today, at 93 years old, Joe Hoerth continues to serve his community, volunteering at the office of the Maine Attorney General in Augusta. His courage, his character, and his commitment to Maine and the nation are an inspiring example for us all. Like every Maine veteran, he has done so much for us, and I will always work hard to honor that service and sacrifice.