Local veterans get their medals from congressman

U.S. Congressman Robert J. Dold recently presented two 10th District veterans with medals they earned while serving their country.

George Ott of Arlington Heights served as an Air Force staff sergeant in the 6th Aircraft Repair Unit, Floating, during World War II.

He served from 1944 to 1946, starting in the Marshall Islands, then went to the Philippines, and then to Japan.

Ott was presented with the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the World War II Victory medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

Thomas Vana of Des Plaines served as a sergeant in the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War.

He was an active duty medic, and also was in the reserves from 1970 to 1974.

Vana was presented with the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Korea Defense Service medal.

“On almost a daily basis, I think about the sacrifices our veterans have made and talk to them at Naval Station Great Lakes, the James A. Lovell Federal Health Center or here in Washington, D.C.,” Dold said. “I had the privilege to present medals to George Ott and Thomas Vana — these men have served their country and deserve to have all the medals they have earned.”