WARREN, OH —In a ceremony today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown presented 10 military service medals – including the Bronze Star – to Thomas Ducharme, a Vietnam veteran from Warren. Ducharme enlisted in the Army in 1965 and served as an aviation specialist, drill sergeant, and recruiter until 1973.

“Ohio’s veterans made invaluable contributions to our fight for worldwide peace and democracy. Our state’s current and former service members have answered the call to action without delay throughout our nation’s history,” Brown said. “As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is fighting for Ohio’s veterans by ensuring that they receive the benefits they so richly deserve.”

In addition to the Bronze Star, Ducharme will receive the: 

  • Air Medal
  • Army Commendation Medal
  • Good Conduct Medal & Clasp with Bronze—2 Loops (Good Conduct #2)
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Vietnam Service Medal & Quadruple Bronze Star Attachment
  • Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1960 Device
  • Expert Badge & Auto Rifle Bar
  • Sharpshooter Badge & Rifle Bar
  • Drill Sergeant ID Badge

Brown also presented the Bronze Star to Trumbull County Veterans Service Office Commissioner Gary Gutelius. Gutelius received the award last year but it was not presented to him. He has also received the Purple Heart.  

Ohio veterans and the family members of deceased veterans may request military records and medals by contacting Senator Brown’s Cleveland office at (216) 522-7272 or by visiting the “Constituent Services” section of Brown’s website at brown.senate.gov.

  

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