MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (AP) — A veteran of World War II has received the Bronze Star just months after his death.
Kenneth Hevrin was awarded the medal posthumously Tuesday. The Byron man died in June at 88, shortly after beginning the process to receive the medal.
The Rockford Register-Star reported that U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Channahon (SHA’-nuh-hahn), presented the medal to Hevrin’s daughter, Beverly Paoli at the Illinois National Guard Base in Machesney Park.
Maj. Gen. Richard Hayes is adjutant general of the National Guard. When he heard of Hevrin’s death, Hayes and staff historians unearthed journal entries about Hevrin’s regiment. Hayes read some from March 1945 in Germany detailing “never-ceasing shelling” and “vicious counterattacks.”
The Bronze Star is awarded for valor. It is the fourth-highest military decoration.
