The Rector Report
Veterans of WWII & Korean War
December 15, 2005
Last week Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day reminded me just how important and appropriate it is to take time to make sure our district veterans know that the Missouri WWII and Korean War Veterans’ Award Recognition Programs are active. Legislation that we passed this last session extended both the Missouri World War II and Korean War Medallion Programs. These programs award a medal, medallion and certificate to Missouri veterans who served during either war.

These are the eligibility criteria for the WWII Veterans’ Award:

must have served on active duty in the US Military at any time during the period of December 7, 1941 to December 30, 1946, either overseas, or in the US;
veteran was honorably separated or discharged from military service, is still in active service in honorable status, or was in active service in an honorable status at time of death;
veteran was a legal resident of MO on August 28, 2000, that either entered or was discharged from military service, or was a legal resident of MO at the time of his or her death;
· Jubilee of Liberty: Veteran must meet above requirements and must have participated in the Normandy Invasion in France during the period of June 6, 1944 to August 31, 1944.

These are the eligibility criteria for the Korean War Medallion:

must have served on active duty in the US Military at any time from June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955, either overseas or in the US;
veteran was honorably separated or discharged from military service, is still in active service in honorable status, or was in active service in an honorable status at time of death;
veteran was a legal resident of MO on August 28, 2003, that either entered or was discharged from military service, or was a legal resident of MO at the time of his or her death.

Any veteran, any spouse, or eldest living survivor of a veteran who meets the eligibility requirements may apply for these awards.

I hope this report will reach all our district veterans and spouses who are not aware of these programs and deserve recognition. If you served in either of these wars, take the opportunity to apply for these awards so that the state of Missouri may acknowledge and honor your service in the defense of freedom. Please let me know if you would like an application form for either of these programs mailed to you. They are also online at the Missouri National Guard website, www.moguard.com. under the ‘Program’ heading.

Because my newsletters are not always published in our local papers, please feel free to pass this information along to those whom you know that may be honored by receiving either of these awards.

May you and your family have a joyous Christmas!


Please include your name, address and phone number when you write.