Hatch Bestows Utah World War II Veteran With 8 Medals

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Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) had the distinct honor of awarding 92-year-old Utah veteran Lewis Frongner with eight medals today he should have received from his service in World War II.

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Frongner served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations for 20 months. В He was in the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division as a light mortar crewman. В He would set up and fire a 60-millimeter mortar gun to place explosive shells on enemy positions; and would adjust the mortar for elevation and deflection.

Lewis returned home from his military service with only the clothes on his back, and never received the military medals he should have been given as a result of his courageous and honorable service.

“Lewis is a member of a very select group of individuals – getting fewer and fewer in number – the living veterans of World War II,” Hatch stated.  “America is free because of its veterans.  Lewis and so many others like him have blessed our nation and its people with freedom and peace.”

Frongner’s nephew,  Stephen Frongner, brought his Uncle’s case to Senator Hatch’s attention and work began to ensure that the medals received their proper home.

Senator Hatch presented the following medals today:

The Good Conduct Medal

The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars

The World War II Victory Medal

The Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp

The Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award

The Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Star

The Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII

And– the Bronze Star Medal.

Frongner resides in Morgan, Utah.

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