Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, The Adjutant General, New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, and Raymond Zawacki, deputy commissioner for veterans are set to present state military awards to 55 veterans.
The award ceremony marks the 68th anniversary of V-J Day, which marks the end of World War II.
Veterans are set to receive the The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, the state’s highest military award.
The award was originally issued in 1858 for those who distinguished themselves in the New Jersey Militia, but was used infrequently until re-authorized by Governor Kean in 1988.
In order to be eligible for the Distinguished Service Medal, servicemen must currently be a resident of New Jersey, have been a resident of New Jersey at the time he or she entered into military service, have been honorably discharged, have proof of serving in combat while on active duty during wartime. The DSM can be awarded posthumously to the next-of-kin of a veteran who meets the criteria.
Brig. Gen. Cunniff and Zawacki are set to award eight Mercer County residents; Merchant Marines Seaman John W. Irwin and U.S. Army Technical Sergeant Walter P. Kramarz of Trenton, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Joseph P. O’Donnell of Robbinsville, and U.S. Army Specialist in Operation Iraqi Freedom Joshua M. Hansen of Hamilton.
Four awards will be awarded posthumously; U.S. Army Technician Fourth Class William C. Gettler of Ewing, Merchant Marines Boatswain Mate Senior Chief Willy J. Hansen and U.S. Army Master Sergeant August M. Mihalow of Hamilton, and U.S. Army Sergeant Walter J. Lucas of Trenton.
The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sept. 7 at World War II Memorial, 125 West State St., Trenton. WWII veteran Daniel Perlsweig is set to speak.
More information is online at nj.gov/military/veterans/awards/distinguished_service/index.html.
