Honors Service In The Pacific Theatre
Rep. Bob Turner posthumously honored World War II veteran Joseph Carl Sr. by presenting his son, Howard Beach resident Joseph Carl Jr., with a series of medals and commendations.
“Joseph Carl Sr. is a prime example of a man who put his life on the line to defend our country and its al- lies at a time of great need for our nation,” Turner said. “As the vast number and range of these medals prove, he served with great valor on a consistent basis.”
Turner presented the vet’s son with the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Hon- orable Service Lapel Button, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Marksman Qualification Badge, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation on behalf of a grateful nation at a presentation ceremony at the congressman’s Middle Village district office.
Carl Jr. noted how proud he was of his father’s service and what these awards mean to him and his family.
“I wanted them to show my children and grandchildren what my father had done for them. They are very important for myself and for my brother,” he said. “We are very proud of what our father did and what he accomplished.”
After attempting to obtain the medals with the help of other elected officials, Carl Jr. turned to Turner after attending the recent Bronze Star Medal ceremony Turner organized for Rego Park native Arno Heller at American Legion Post 1424 in Forest Hills.
“I gave Congressman Turner a copy of all the paperwork and the congressman made sure everything came out correct. I was having other problems getting some of the information and he got it for me right away,” Carl Jr. said. “It shows me he is interested in his constituents. I’m very indebted to him.”
Turner, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ affairs and a veteran himself, has been a voice for veterans’ advocacy.
“Our veterans deserve all the recognition in the world for their hard work and sacrifice,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the freedoms we do today. It is up to us to educate future generations about the sacrifices those that came before them made on their behalf. The families of our veterans are just as deserving of being able to share in the pride of their loves ones accomplishments and service.”
Sharing that pride and educating future generations about service is just what Carl Jr. plans to do. He plans on starting with his three, soon be four, favorite pupils.
“I just want my children and my grandchildren to be proud of what my father went through,” Carl Jr. said. “I am looking forward to showing them and explaining them to my grandchildren. That’s what it’s all about.”
