By Steve Mosco
The Greatest Generation deserves the greatest of honors — even if the battles they fought were more than a half-century ago.
U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Middle Village) 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 for his service.
“Joseph Carl Sr. is a prime example of a man who put his life on the line to defend our country and its allies at a time of great need for our nation,” Turner said at his district office in Middle Village April 3. “As the vast number and range of these medals prove, he served with great valor on a consistent basis.”
Turner presented the World War II vet’s son with the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Honorable 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 Queens district office.
Carl said articulating to his family the pride he feels for this father’s service is difficult, but now having the medals gives the family something tangible to point out and admire.
“I wanted them to show my children and grandchildren what my father had done for them,” he said. “They are very important for myself and for my brother. We are very proud of what our father did and what he accomplished.”
Turner, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is a veteran himself. Carl Sr. served as a private first-class with the Headquarters and Service Co. 1897th Engineer Battalion in the Pacific Theater during the war.
“Our veterans deserve all the recognition in the world for their hard work and sacrifice,” Turner 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 loved ones’ accomplishments and service.”
Carl plans to share that pride and educate future generations about what his father, and many other vets, gave for their country. And he plans to start that education with his three, soon to be four, grandchildren.
“I just want my children and my grandchildren to be proud of what my father went through,” Carl said. “I am looking forward to showing them and explaining them to my grandchildren. That’s what it’s all about.”
Reach reporter Steve Mosco by e-mail at smosco@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
