Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) delivered long overdue service medals to the family of a Teaneck World War II veteran, Master Sergeant William Witherspoon. After learning that Mr. Witherspoon never received his medals, his son Roger reached out to Congressman Gottheimer’s office and requested assistance. Rep. Gottheimer’s office swiftly cut through the red tape to secure the medals from the U.S. Army for Master Sergeant Witherspoon’s brave service to this nation. Roger organized the ceremony for his father in coordination with Congressman Gottheimer’s office.

The posthumous medals were delivered to former Master Sergeant William Witherspoon’s widow Carolyn Witherspoon at Teaneck City Hall. Gottheimer presented Mrs. Witherspoon and her family with the following six medals: American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and The Marksman Badge.

“I’m honored to take care of a Jersey veteran and hero, William Witherspoon, who served our country nobly in the Army during World War II and who represents the fight for real American values. It thrilled me to be able to deliver his family the service medals that he never received, and I encourage other veterans and their families to contact my office for assistance,” said Congressman Gottheimer.

Video of the event can be found HERE.

Below: Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5) delivers medals to former Master Sergeant William Witherspoon’s widow Carolyn Witherspoon at Teaneck City Hall.

Below (left to right): Assemblyman Gordon Johnson MAJ. RET., Dionisio Cucuta Jr. SSGT. RET., Joshua Spears SSGT. RET., Roosevelt Sills CSM. RET., and John McGilchrist LTC. RET.

If you know of any New Jersey veterans missing service medals or in need of assistance with the VA or help with a claim, please contact Congressman Gottheimer’s office by phone at (973) 814-4078 or or (201) 389-1100 or online at Gottheimer.House.Gov.

Witherspoon received the following medals:
American Campaign Medal: Awarded for service within the American Theater between December 7th, 1941 and March 2nd, 1946 under any of the following conditions:
1. On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States.
2. Permanently assigned as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.
3. Outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.
4. In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the Soldier participated in combat.
5. Within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of 1 year.

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars: Awarded to recognize those military service members who had performed military duty in the European Theater (to include North Africa and the Middle East) during the years of the Second World War. The two Bronze Service Stars signify service in all three regions.

Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to any active duty enlisted member of the United States military who completes three consecutive years of “honorable and faithful service” or one year of faithful service during wartime.

World War II Victory Medal: Awarded for service between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946

Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII: Awarded to United States military service members who were discharged under honorable conditions during World War II

The Marksman Badge: Awarded to Army personnel upon successful completion of a weapons qualification course