I would like to thank Manasquan Mayor Edward Donovan and Councilwoman Lori Triggiano for attending the presentation of my Bronze Star Award by Congressman Chris Smith at the Manasquan VFW Post 1838 on Oct. 8.

This award was submitted back in June of 1967 while I was in Vietnam but as I was part of a small detachment with limited administration it was lost and not recognized until my 1st sergeant contacted me in 2007 to congratulate me.

After contacting the only surviving officer in my chain of command, Vernon DeBord, we started the process to obtain the award. It became very clear that we could not accomplish this task by ourselves so we involved Congressman Smith and his staff.
 
It has taken many years of work to abide by the U.S. Army’s requirements but it was done. My personal thanks to Congressman Smith and his staff who have done this for many other Veterans. Congressman Smith is not only an asset to our community but especially to its veterans.

Mayor Kevin Orender of Wall Township also presented a Township Proclamation. Having this award presented to me in Vietnam 55 years ago may have been appropriate but in no way would it have been appreciated more than it was on Oct. 8, 2022.

Thank you to everyone, especially to VFW Post 1838 for the use of their facility and provision of food and drinks, which helped to make this very special day.

          GEORGE J. BEDNARSKI
          Apple Ridge Circle, Manasquan


This article ran in the Oct. 20, 2022 print edition of the Coast Star newspaper.