Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement today after presenting Kermit Adkins of Abingdon with a long-deserved Bronze Star Medal for his service in World War II.  Mr. Adkins joined the Army in 1944 from Grundy and served in the European Campaign as part of H Company in the 313th Infantry.  In 1947, a retroactive award of the Bronze Star Medal was issued to all soldiers who had earned the Combat Infantry Badge in the course of their service in World War II.  Many veterans were unaware that they were eligible for this honor.

“This medal recognizing Mr. Adkins’ distinguished service is long overdue,” said Congressman Griffith. “Our veterans of World War II were often faced with great hardships on the ground, yet they fought valiantly to protect and preserve our freedom. I thank Mr. Adkins and all of our veterans for their service. It was an honor to participate in this special ceremony.”

In addition to the new Bronze Star Medal, Mr. Adkins also received the following replacement medals:

Combat Infantry Badge, 1st award
Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar
Honorable Service Lapel Pin and Button for WWII
Army of Occupation Medal and Germany Clasp
WWII Victory Medal
The Good Conduct Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and Bronze Star attachment 

Background on the Bronze Star Medal:  The Bronze Star Medal was authorized by President Roosevelt through Executive Order 9419 on February 4, 1944, retroactive to December 7, 1941. According to Army Regulation 600–8–22, this medal is awarded to those who “distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.”

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