McCaskill Secures Bronze Star Medal for St. Louis Area World War II Veteran

Senator successfully advocated for World War II veteran Carl Willm to receive award after long delay

ST. LOUIS – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today hosted a Bronze Star Medal ceremony honoring World War II veteran Carl Willm, who was belatedly awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his military service.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our troops for their service,” said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the daughter of a World War II veteran. “It’s an honor to serve Missouri veterans and work to ensure they receive the care and benefits they’ve earned through their courageous defense of our nation. It’s especially important to me to not forget the tributes they’re due as well – and so this is one of my favorite parts of my job, helping to secure much deserved recognition for veterans like Carl Willm.”

Carl Willm, a resident of Festus, Missouri, entered the United States Army shortly after graduating high school in the summer of 1944.  He deployed to the Pacific Theater of Operations where he served with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.  Mr. Willm fought in the liberation of the Philippines from October 1944 when he came ashore on the island of Leyte.  After heavy fighting on Leyte and Luzon, Mr. Willm’s unit took part in landing operations to retake the island of Corregidor from Japanese forces.  At the end of hostilities, Carl performed occupation duty in Japan until his Honorable Discharge in May 1946. 

A photo of today’s event can be found, HERE.

Mr. Willm’s platoon leader intended to submit documentation for a Purple Heart, but was promoted to command of another company and killed-in-action shortly after. Due to a lack of historical information, the United States Army was unable to verify Mr. Willm’s entitlement to a Purple Heart. However, the Army was able to establish his entitlement to the Bronze Star Medal based on his prior award of the Combat Infantryman Badge.  Mr. Willm contacted McCaskill’s office for assistance in obtaining recognition for his service, who worked with the Army to secure it.

The medal was presented by Brigadier General Gregory Champagne and Assistant Adjutant General-Air, Missouri National Guard. Senator McCaskill has previously helped Missouri veterans and their families secure overdue combat awards, including World War II veterans Vernon C. Crecelius and Walter Wocjik, Vietnam veteran Patrick Howe, Korean war veteran Dencil Francis, Vietnam veteran Walter Sitzwohl, and Korean war veteran Reverend Leo Hardin.

Visit www.mccaskill.senate.gov/veterans to learn more about McCaskill’s fight for military veterans. 

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