OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Walz Leads Bronze Star Medal Ceremony for Korean War Hero

Press Release

By: Tim Walz
By: Tim Walz
Date: March 4, 2017
Location: Luverne, MN
Issues: Veterans

Today, U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Tim Walz (MN-01) held a Bronze Star Medal ceremony for local veteran Sylvester (Sy) Lonneman. Mr. Lonneman was awarded the Bronze Star Medal on April 27, 1953 but never received a proper ceremony in recognition of his courageous service.

"I can't begin to explain how honored I am to have had the privilege of joining with Mr. Lonneman's family today to provide him a proper Bronze Star Medal ceremony," said Representative Walz. "Having been almost 64 years since Mr. Lonneman was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, this ceremony was long overdue, and I'm humbled to be a part of such a dignified day. I thank Mr. Lonneman's family for reaching out and working together to honor his service."

Mr. Lonneman, then an Infantryman assigned to a Heavy Weapons Platoon attached to a Rifle Company, served in the Korean War as a Sergeant in the United States Army. Despite suffering head and leg injuries from an exploding mortar shell on September 26, 1952, Mr. Lonneman continued to distinguish himself and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy from February 1, 1952 thru March 12, 1953.

Authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 4, 1944, the Bronze Star Medal may be awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone. In addition to the Bronze Star, Mr. Lonneman is also a recipient of the Purple Heart, was awarded the Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Mr. Lonneman currently resides at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. He and his wife of 61 years, Helen Lonneman, had nine children: Mark (Lori) Lonneman, Jerry (Connie) Lonneman, Tim (deceased), Cindy Lonneman, Linda Lonneman and Terry, Dean (deceased), Kevin (Nancy) Lonneman, Ron (Leah) Lonneman and Allan (Val) Lonneman. Mr. Lonneman has been a long-time member of the Adrian Argonne Post 32.


Source
arrow_upward