Braley Presents Overdue WWII Medals to Dubuque Veteran

66 years after earning them, Zane Thorpe finally presented Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and five other medals he never received
 
Dubuque, IA – Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today traveled to Dubuque to present seven military service medals – including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star – to Zane Thorpe, 89, a World War II Army veteran who earned the medals but never received them after he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945.
 
In discharge papers, the Army told Thorpe he was awarded the medals, but because of a medals shortage they were never given to him.  In November 2011, Thorpe’s family approached Braley’s office for assistance in finally obtaining the medals 66 years after they were granted.
 
“On behalf of the American people, I want to thank Zane Thorpe for his service to our country,” Braley said.  “His sacrifice and the sacrifices of millions of others paved the way for decades of American progress and prosperity.  66 years is a long time to wait for such an honor, but I’m proud to stand with Zane today and present him these distinguished medals.  Zane is more than deserving of our respect and gratitude.”
 
Braley presented Thorpe the following seven medals for his service in World War II: the Bronze Star; the Purple Heart; the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment; World War II Victory Medal; Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award; and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.
 
Thorpe enlisted in the Army in April 1943.  After basic training, he was assigned to the 157th Combat Regiment, 45th Division, 3rd Battalion, L Company, which was deployed to Sicily and campaigned throughout Italy.  By 1944, Thorpe’s unit had moved on to France and later Germany, where he was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.  Thorpe was evacuated to a hospital in England, and was transferred to a hospital in Texas.  He was discharged in July 1945 after V-E Day.  
 
It is thought that thousands of World War II veterans have never received medals they earned due to shortages in materials after the war.
 
After getting a request for assistance from Thorpe’s family, Braley’s office worked with the National Personnel Records Center to obtain the medals.  Braley’s office is well-equipped to help veterans who have lost medals, never received them, or who have had them destroyed due to natural disaster, fire or other circumstances.  Veterans seeking assistance should contact Braley’s Waterloo office at (319) 287-3233.
 
Braley is a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and is the top-ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.