Veteran receives medal 48 years after service

By Staff
Sometimes making inquiries can bring good results. This proved to be true when Hartselle resident Bob Jaques received the National Defense Medal from the Navy Department last month, 48 years after his active duty.
The National Defense medal is given to active duty military personnel during specific times of National Conflicts. Those times are June 27, 1950 – July 27, 1954; Jan. 1, 1961-Aug. 14, 1974; Aug. 2, 1990 – Nov. 30, 1995; and from Sept. 11, 2001 - present time. The service person does not have to be in a combat situation to earn the medal.
Jaques made inquiries about the medal after talking with a Navy veteran at his church about what medals he had received. The veteran mentioned the National Defense Medal.
The friend suggested to Jaques he inquire with the Navy Department to determine if he was qualified to receive the Medal.
Jaques wrote the Navy Department and asked them to review his service record. Last month, he received a response saying he was qualified due to his active duty in 1961, and they enclosed the National Defense Medal.
Jaques other award is the Navy’s Good Conduct Medal.