Poland veteran Lucas presented Purple Heart by Sen. Young
BRAZIL – U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) Monday attended a military service medal ceremony at the Clay County Courthouse at Brazil where he presented Paul Lucas of Poland with the Purple Heart he earned during the Korean War.
Lucas was also presented Lucas with several other medals he earned, including the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Combat Infantry Badge (1st Award), and United Nations Service Medals.
“Today we honored a great American hero,” Sen. Young said. “Two months ago, I was contacted by Mr. Lucas and as soon as I heard his story I wanted to help.
“One of the best parts of my job is ensuring veterans, like Mr. Lucas, receive the recognition they have earned,” Young added, “especially when it’s such a long time coming. Helping veterans and their families track down their military service medals is one of the many services I am proud to provide constituents, and I’m thrilled I was able to present Mr. Lucas with his medals today.”
Lucas grew up in Sullivan County near Farmersburg. He joined the Army and achieved the rank of sergeant. While serving in Korea, Lucas was wounded by shrapnel and spent three months in the hospital before returning home.
Lucas contacted Young’s office two months ago because he never received the Purple Heart he earned on account of his injuries. Members of the senator’s staff looked into the veteran’s records and found that he had earned several other medals in addition to the Purple Heart.