Rep. Kelly Returns Lost Service Medals to World War II Veteran in Erie
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) hosted a ceremony yesterday at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie, PA, at which he re-issued formerly lost distinguished service medals to Jimmy D'Aurora, an Army veteran of World War II. The medals include: a Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, an American Campaign Medal, a European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, and an Honorable Service Lapel Pin for World War II.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, of Butler, R-3rd Dist., presented D'Aurora with the new medals. D'Aurora's niece, Anna Marie Amendola, of Erie, contacted Kelly in August, asking the congressman to help her family as they sought replacement medals.
Kelly reached out to the National Personnel Records Center, officials said, and his office received the medals in late January.
"All of you folks paid such a great price and did so much for us as a generation. It's incredible service you did," Kelly told D'Aurora in the main lobby of the Erie VA. "It is really a great honor to be with you today."
Kelly also spent time on Monday visiting with inpatient residents at the Erie VA as part of National Salute to Veterans Week.
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"The smiles on their faces as they're being thanked, and told how grateful people are for their service, lasts the entire week and beyond," said Sarah Gudgeon, public affairs specialist at the Erie VA. "This is an exciting time for them, especially our inpatient residents who may not have many visitors throughout the year. They can see that they're not forgotten."
91-year old Jimmy D'Aurora received the replacements for the service medals that he lost today from Congressman Mike Kelly during a special ceremony.
He was given a Purple Heart Medal and four additional service medals.
D'Aurora says he can't wait to share these medals with his two year old great-great-grandson.
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