On Jan. 21, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) presented Army veteran Joseph G. Hoerth of Westport Island with several medals he earned for his service during World War II but never received. During a ceremony held at his office in Augusta, Senator King presented Mr. Hoerth with the Bronze Star Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge.

“These medals are a testament to Joe’s extraordinary service to our nation, as he and millions of other brave Americans sacrificed all to fight for the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today,” Senator King said. “His courage, his character, and his commitment to Maine and the nation are an inspiring example for us all, and I am honored to be able to present to him with the distinctions that he so rightly-deserves.”

A combat veteran and two-time prisoner of war, Mr. Hoerth joined the Army and served in the 106th Infantry Division during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was captured and held as a prisoner of war along with two of his childhood friends serving in the same unit. The trio was able to escape and began a harrowing six-day, 60-mile trek through German occupied territory in harsh late-winter conditions. Mr. Hoerth and one of his friends were re-captured just miles from reaching U.S. Army units, but later managed to escape again and finally return to U.S. controlled territory.  

After his service in Europe, Mr. Hoerth’s regiment received a memo from an Army officer outlining the awards and decorations for which they may be eligible. However, due to several factors including that his former commanding officer had been hospitalized with Tuberculosis, Mr. Hoerth never received his decorations. Last fall, he reached out to Senator King’s office to request assistance in securing the awards, and over the course of several months, Senator King’s staff worked with the Department of the Army to secure them.

At 93 years old, Mr. Hoerth continues to serve his community today, volunteering three times a week at the office of the Maine Attorney General in Augusta.