Area World War II Veterans awarded medal

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    At a ceremony at the Imperial Manor Friday, April 11, the only two living Chase County World War II Veterans were awarded the World War II Recognition Medal. Both veterans now live at the Imperial Manor and they are Don Welch and Jack Ekart.
    Don entered active service in the US Navy on March 24, 1945 at Haigler, Ne and was Honorably discharged on July 16, 1946, in Shoemaker California. Don advanced to Yeoman Third Class. He was stationed on the USS APL 14 and USS Curtiss (AV 4).Don received the Asiatic Pacific,   American Area Victory, Philippine Liberation Medals.
    Jack entered active service in the US Army on April 4, 1946 at Ft. Logan, Co., and was Honorably discharged April 27, 1947 at Separation Center Camp BEALE, California. Jack advanced to Technician Fifth Grade, was with the 29th Engineer Topographical Battalion. Jack received the World War II Victory Medal.
    This program is an initiative from Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) to recognize Nebraska’s living World War II veterans in 2025 for the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.
    On the front of the medal they received Friday is the slogan of it’s initiative: Celebrating 80 Years of Victory. It includes Nebraska’s famous Sower in front of the state and is surrounded by a laurel wreath, a symbol of triumph.
    The backside features the words: “On Behalf of a Grateful State. Thank You for Your Service.” emblazoned above the personification of victory standing in front of the 48 star flag of 1946.
    The ribbon design pays homage to the U.S. Military’s World War II Victory Medal. The medals are presented in a velvet box and come with an accompanying ribbon bar.