Governor presents medals to 15 veterans

AUGUSTA – Gov. John E. Baldacci Tuesday presented State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medals to 15 veterans in a Hall of Flags ceremony. The medal was first awarded to Maine veterans in August 2006 and is presented to those who have been wounded while serving their country.

“You’ve given us a wonderful example. You’ve given us a role model and a standard to adhere to, to rise to, and to try to strive for, and I thank you for that,” Baldacci said. “It’s an inspiration to the troops who are now serving to live up to and try to exceed the standards that our greatest generation has laid for us.”

Baldacci was joined by Maine Adjutant Gen. John W. Libby and Director of Veterans Services Peter Ogden in awarding the service medals to the veterans.

“We – the General, myself, your friends and family – are all here to thank you for what you have given for your country,” Baldacci said. “You know all too well the meaning of sacrifice and service.”

Since then, a total of 36 Gold Star Medals and 123 Silver Star Medals have been presented to Maine veterans.

Following is the list of veterans recognized Tuesday:

World War II

Raymond J. Cyr, Lewiston; Ernest A. Henderson, Winthrop; Romeo A. Huppe, Lewiston; Bertrand E. LaFrance, Lewiston; Leroy W. Linnell, South Paris; Louis P. Pare, Brewer; Rosaire Poulin, Augusta; Raymond E. Reitze, Buxton; Joseph R. Woodward, York.

Vietnam

Gary K. Brooks, Turner; Robert A. Darveau, Jr., Levant; Carl R. Douglass, Hebron; Wayne H. Elkins, Winslow; Leon S. Gallant, Morrill; Peter B. Sargent, New Gloucester.

Fifteen other veterans injured in combat were not present at the State House event Tuesday:

World War II

Clifford J. Ayotte, Augusta; Ernest H. Brian, Portland; George L. Pacillo, Windham; Alfred B. Sherman, Boothbay.

Korea

William O. Malone, Portland; Joseph A. Paradis, Lewiston.

Vietnam

Louis J. Aceto, Jr., Portland; Albert G. Gower, Buxton; Philip E. Knowlton, Woodland; Reginald C. Parker Jr., Auburn; Lester O. Paul, Pittston; Theodore A. Perry, Westbrook; Jerald E. White, Waterville.