59°WWII vet awarded Bronze Star, 60 years later
Nov 11
2010
In 1944, Raymond Twining was only 19 years when he entered World War II by way of the 378th Infantry Regiment, 96th Division.
The division was mired in combat by October 1944 in the Moselle bridgehead sector, in what would become part of northeastern France. The division’s soldiers captured forts surrounding the town of Metz.
While defending the town, the division earned the nickname “The Iron Men of Metz,” for holding off repeated German attacks. Soldiers from this division went on to battles in Germany and the Netherlands.
An Oak Harbor native, Twining made it through the war alive. After three years in the Army, he was discharged and returned home.
He received a combat infantryman badge, sharpshooter badge for rifle and carbine, the Army Good Conduct Metal, two theater ribbons and a World War II victory medal.
But he never received the Bronze Star, his rightful due, given his actions in battle.
The misstep was righted on Thursday afternoon, when Lt. Col. Barbara Herrington-Clemens pinned the Bronze Star on the 85-year-old veteran’s shirt at Edgewood Manor Retirement Home in Port Clinton.
“Thank you for your service,” she said, patting Twining on the shoulder.
Twining’s daughter, Cathy Twining, said her father appreciated being recognized for his service, even if it was six decades overdue.
“He’s been smiling today and he doesn’t smile much,” Cathy said. “I’m really pleased."
In preparation for the Veterans Day ceremony, staff at Edgewood Manor discovered Twining never received the Bronze Star that was owed to him.
Sara Toris, of the Ottawa County Veterans Services, confirmed Twining should have received the award, which was given to combat service people who exhibited valor and meritorious action while protecting the country’s freedom.
Amy Sgt. Michael Fitzgerald, who traveled from Akron for the presentation, said after World War II thousands of men returned home, but when it came to handing out service medals, some fell through the cracks.
Veterans who were overlooked, or their surviving family members, can still address the oversight with veterans services officials.
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10:22 AM
nosey rosey says
Thank you sir.
09:05 AM
Julie R. says
Congrats Mr. Twining for a job well done!
08:47 AM
My thoughts says
Well deserved. Thank you for your service!
08:39 AM
Madscd3 says
I agree with Falling Down. These men are all heros and it is too special to see this man get his due reward even if it is sixty years later. Thank you for serving us and your country.
05:54 AM
Kottage Kat says
Mr.Twining,
Thank you for your service. Let Freedom Ring.
01:35 AM
Falling Down says
I am pleased to see this man recieve the medal for his duty to our country. Veterans all say the heros never came home, but I disagree they are all heros.