Jim Fair
Homer "Carly" Campbell is presented the medals he never received as a soldier in the U.S. Army in World War III. Jim Hawkins, Director of Greer Chapter #39 of the Disabled American Veterans, presented the medals to Campbell.
Jim Fair
Jim Fair
Friday, Campbell was presented the WW II Victory medal among others in a glass-encased box. Documents detailing Campbell's service were approved through the U.S. Department of Defense and aided by South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.
Campbell, 93, was among the veteran honored Friday in a formal presentation of his medals. Rep. Rita Allison, Danielle Gibbs, Regional Director for Scott, Jim Hawkins, Director of Greer Chapter #39 of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Mayor Rick Danner, presenting Campbell a proclamation, attended the ceremonies.
Campbell’s three years of service included:
• served under General George S. Patton as German General Erwin Rommel was driven from North Africa,
• served under General Mark Clark during the invasion of Italy,
• fought in the 136-day siege at Anzio, Italy before the Allies broke through and proceeded to march and capture Rome.
Twelve veterans were honored with certificates acknowledging their service.
“These men and women who have gone through the hell of war gives us the opportunity to give something back to them,” said Allen Clark, retired commander of the U.S. Navy. Clark and Hawkins conduct DAV meetings in Greer.
John Simmons, a veteran who was not listed on the program, spoke up on behalf of all veterans telling his story how entered the military. His father served in England during WW II and Simmons came to the U.S. on a student visa.
“I was drafted four days into the U.S. Army, four days after my one-year visa expired, and I have been here ever since,” Simmons said. “And I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Gibbs, listening to Simmons, then poignantly told the veterans how proud she was to appear at the ceremony, while Scott was also attending another ceremony.
Gibbs told how her grandfather was a pilot in the Royal Air Force and later came to the United States to make a home for his family.
“Mr. Simmons, it is an incredible honor for me to be here,” Gibbs said, tears welling. “I was very careful to mention throughout the election process what you and all the veterans have done for us. And all the sacrifices veterans and families have made for this country.”
Veterans honored:
Paul Buhl, Air National Guard
Homer Campbell, Army
Jimmy Duncan, Navy
Ken French, Navy
Walter Huff, Army
Joe Knight, Army
John McFadden, Navy Air Force
Bill Pickel, Marine Corps
Charles Robinson, Army
John Simmons, Army
Don Turbyfill, Air National Guard
Thereon Walker, Army