World War II Veterans Honored By NE State Veterans Office

THE STATE OF NEBRASKA HONORED VICTORY IN EUROPE'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY- Medals were given to living Veterans and posthumously to those who served between Dec. 1, 1941, and Dec. 1, 1946. Pictured is Bernard Hoffman of Chambers receiving his medal from Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs Director John Hilgert.

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VICTORY IN EUROPE 80TH ANNIVERSARY was honored by the State of Nebraska. Medals were given to living Veterans as well as posthumously who served between Dec. 1 1941 and Dec. 1 1946. Pictured is John Schultz of O'Neill receiving his medal by Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs Director John Hilgert.

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THE STATE OF NEBRASKA HONORED VICTORY IN EUROPE'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY- Medals were given to living Veterans and posthumously to those who served between Dec. 1, 1941, and Dec. 1, 1946. Pictured is Laurance Slaymaker of Atkinson receiving his medal from Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs Director John Hilgert and Holt County Veterans Service Officer Ken Stenka.

It has been 80 years since VE's Victory in Europe, and VJ's Victory over Japan was celebrated.

The Nebraska Division of Veterans Affairs launched an initiative to recognize and honor Nebraska's 144,000 Nebraskans who served in World War II, living as World War II veterans on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The honorees were given a plaque and a special recognition Medal.

John Hilgert, Nebraska's director of Veterans Affairs; Scott Menish, Mayor of the City of O'Neill; and Ken Stenka, Holt County's veteran Service Officer, presented the awards to the honorees of Holt County and Boyd County. 

Hilgert talked about the sacrifices of all Nebraskans, reflecting on his neighbor lady, whom he helped with yard work, taking care of her roses, which she planted on the day Japan surrendered. He said she worked at the Martin Bomber plant in Bellevue, which produced the B-29s that helped end the war.

The ceremony took place on Friday, Jan. 17, at the Holt County Annex. Veterans who were able to attend were Bernard Hoffman of Chambers and John Schultz of O'Neill. Laurance Slaymaker of Atkinson was unable to attend but was honored in Stuart, where he now resides. Posthumously honored were Allen Hargens, George Mellor of Spencer, and George Keyes of Inman. 

Bernard Hoffman was a first-class seaman in the US Navy. He served from January 31, 1946, to December 3, 1947. Hoffman served on the USS Doyle and USS LK Swenson in  Fire Control. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and American Area. John Schultz, a 98-year-old veteran, served in the US Army from  June 6, 1945, through March 2. 1947. Schultz was in the 50th company of the 162 Army Service Unit, an MP and clerk, and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal.

Laurance Slaymaker, who is 100 years old, served in the US Army from Oct. 1944 until Oct. 1946. He was with the 161st infantry regiment, a section leader of a 58-millimeter howitzer. He received the World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Occupation Medal.

  Allen R. Hargen from Spencer received the award posthumously. He was in the US Navy from Nov. 1945 until Oct. 1947. He was a carpenter in the submarine service and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal.

George Mellor from Spencer received the award posthumously. Mellor served in the US Navy from Dec. of 1944 to Oct. 1946. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

George Keyes of Inman received the award posthumously. Keyes served in the US from Oct. 1946 until Sept. 22, in the BTRY "C" Infantry Division. He was a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal.

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