WWII vet receives missing medals

From WLFI.com 18: WWII vet receives missing medals.
LOGANSPORT, Ind. (WLFI) - A World War II veteran from Logansport finally receives all of the medals he earned while serving in the Pacific.

Marion Minks sat on his back porch Monday morning, surrounded by his family and friends. It was a proud moment. Minks served as a Private First Class with the United States Army during World War II. He earned numerous medals for his service in the Pacific between 1944 and 1946. He didn't receive all of his medals until now.

"He had missing medals and so what we tried to do was to find the medals that he had earned during World War II. We were able to get a hold of them," said U.S. Congressman Joe Donnelly.

Minks reflected back on his time with the 164th Infantry Regiment of the Americal Division in the Phillipines and in Tokyo, Japan. He described the night he was hit with a hand grenade and shot in the leg.

"The hand grenade got me in the chest. [It] deflated my lung and I was at the point of passing out. And I was shot in the leg," he said.

Minks said a field medic carried him to safety that night. Minks said he never knew the man's name, but was grateful to him for saving his life. While away at war, it was his wife Marjorie who kept things running smoothly at home.

"They called us troopers, but she was the real trooper, to stay home and keep the family going until I returned," he said.

Marjorie smiled at his side, beaming with pride.

"They sacrificed and you never heard a word of complaint. They came home and often never talked about it to anybody," remarked Congressman Donnelly.

Donnelly presented Minks with the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 bronze service star, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 bronze star, Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

Minks said he never had a nickname until he enlisted. Then he said he was happy to be known as G.I. Joe, he told the crowd gathered at his home Monday morning. More than 15 family members, along with friends, Logansport Mayor Michael Fincher and Congressman Donnelly attended the ceremony.

Minks also received an American flag which had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.