WWII Medal Recognition Ceremony - Sunday, May 25, 2014

members of American Legion James Ely Miller Memorial Post 833Smithtown’s American Legion James Ely Miller Memorial Post 833 hosted a World War II Medal Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 25th. The event sponsored by Congressman Tim Bishop honored Long Island World War II heroes. On hand were three WWII Veterans TEC4 Herbert Stern, U.S. Army, TEC 3 Richard Tuscani, U.S. Army and S1 Michael Sgaglione, U.S. Navy. SGT Walter Thomas, U.S. Army was unable to attend, TEC 5 William Rennard, U.S. Army is deceased his daughter Rita Fischedick  accepted his medals. Being recognized Posthumously was PFC Louis DiClementi, U.S. Army (St. James) and SSGT Anthony Cheyka, U.S. Army (Kings Park).

Richard Tuscani and Congressman BishopTEC 3 Richard Tuscani served in the U.S. Army and resides in Mastic Beach.  In the audience offering  support and congratulations to Mr. Tuscani were members of the American Legion Arthur H. Clune Post 1533 in Mastic Beach . Commander RobertMembers of American Legion Arthur H. Clune Post 1533 Mohn, Michael Kujan, Jacqulyne Alther and Jo Ann Keane. Mr. Tuscani served in WWII from December 1942 through January 1946. Sixty-Six years after leaving the service Mr. Tuscani received medals for Good Conduct, American Campaign Medal w/3 bronze service stars, the World War II Victory Medal, Marksman Badge w/Rifle Bar, Honorable Service Lapel Button and the NYS Medal for Merit.  Mr. Tuscani, is in his 90’s walks a little slow as anyone his age might accepted his medals from Congressman Bishop as his friends watched with pride. 

Congressman Bishop and Mr. SternTEC 4 Herbert Stern, U.S. Army currently resides in East Patchogue. He served in WWII from April 1943 through February 1946. Mr. Stern served in New Guinea, Philippines, Army of Occupation, Japan. Mr. Stern, 90, surrounded by his family who were beaming with pride as he received his Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, Marksman Badge w/Rifle Bar, NYS Medal for Merit. 

Mr. Sgaglione and familyS1 Michael Sgaglione, U.S. Navy resides in Middle Island. He served in WWII from October 1943 - May 1946, D-Day, Normandy.  Mr. Sgaglione received The French Legion of Honor Medal. The medal is awarded to few and very prestigious. The French Legion of Honor is an order of distinction first established by Napoleon Bonarparte in May of 1802.  It is the highest decoration bestowed in France and is divided into five categories with the Chevalier (Knight) designation being awarded to American veterans of World War I who assisted in the Liberation of France.  In order to qualify for the medal, veterans mutt have fought in one of the four main campaigns of the Liberation of France: Normandy, Provence, Ardennes, of Northern France.  Since only a small number of Legion of Honor medals are awarded each year in the United States, care is taken to nominate only those with the most distinguished records.  American recipients include Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Michael Mullen. 

Mr. Sgaglione was invited to say a few words to the audience. He thanked Congressman Bishop but spoke from his heart when he suggested that it is time to turn our attention to Korean and Viet Nam Veterans.  Saying that his generation has received all the medals and attention they needed he dedicated his medal to those veterans who served in Viet Nam and Korea. There were some in the audience who nodded in agreement. 

Congressman Bishop thanked the veterans and their families for their selflessness. He encouraged people who know of veterans who have not received recognition for their military service to contact his office.  

SSGT Anthony Cheyka, U.S. Army, Kings Park (Posthumous) was awarded medals for his service in WWII from February 1943 - September 1945. His medals will be presented to his daughter Betsey Davin and include Air Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European Aftican Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/3 bronze service stars, Presidential Unit Citation, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, NYS Conspicuous Service Star

PFC Louis DiClementi, U.S. Army, Saint James (Posthumous) was awarded medals for his service in WWII January, 1943-October, 1945. Mr. Di Clementi served in Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy Northern France, Rhineland. Mr. Di Clementi’s medals will go to Mrs. Anna DiClementi. Medals included: Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, European - African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/1 silver service star, World War II Victory Medal and Honorable Service Lapel Button.

Congressman Bishop with Rita FischedickTEC 5 William Rennard, U.S. Army, Holbrook (Posthumous) served in WWII from September 1940 - September 1945, Korea: May,1951-May, 1955 . Mr. Rennard’s very proud daughter Rita Fischedick accepted his medals which included American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/1 silver service star, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal w/Germany Clasp, Honorable Service Lapel Button, Expert Badge w/Carbine Bar, Sharpshooter Badge w/Rifle bar.

SGT Walter Thomas, U.S. Army, Riverhead. Mr. Thomas received his medals for his WWII service from April 1946-May 1947. Mr. Thomas Medals included World War II Vitory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal w/Germany Clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge w/Carbine Bar, Honorable Service Lapel Button, NYS Medal for Merit. 

PFC Louis Silverstone, U.S. Army, Port Jefferson Station. Mr. Silverstone received his medals for his service in WWII from April 1943-February 1946. Mr. Silverstone’s medals included a Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, European Aftican Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, NYS Medal for Merit.