U.S. Army veterans receive their medals
BUTLER TWP — U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3rd, of Butler came to VA Butler Healthcare on Monday to present two veterans with military service awards.
Chester Pokusa served in the Army during World War II from 1942-45 as a field artillery gunner. He landed in Normandy and is D-Day survivor. He also was in the Battle of the Bulge, serving under Gen. George S. Patton.
His awards are: Purple Heart, Good Conduct, Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button World War II, Marksman Bar.
Charles Rock was drafted in April 1970. He was sent to Vietnam and was assigned to Company A, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry 11th Brigade (The Old Guard). His unit was involved with Operation Lam Som 719 in 1971.
Rock was medically discharged in 1972 after being wounded. His wounds resulted in a leg amputation and several other injuries.
His awards are: Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal (with three bronze stars), Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge first award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with device, Expert Badge and Grenade Bar.
