By Brian LaMuraglia
The atrium of the Morris View Healthcare Center in Morris Township was packed on Thursday for a new event, a ceremony commemorating the veterans who live there.
Eleven men and women from three different wars were honored with medals and certificates.
“It’s a little bit unusual to be honored today. I’m very old. It was a very nice ceremony,” said Gerald E. “Gerry” Corby, who joined the Air Force in 1955.
“I joined the Air Force to learn about radio but they had enough radio people so they made me a weatherman. It was very interesting stuff,” said Gerry, who served as a weather observer on Cape Cod, MA. In 1959, he left the service and began a 49-year career in broadcast recording.
Several World War II veterans were among the honorees.
Army veteran Christopher C. Street had tours in China, England and India as a radio operator. Prior awards include the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Clarice Bobin served as a WAV in naval intelligence in 1944-45.
Warren P. Bush served with the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Bushnell, receiving the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and the American Theater Medal.
Joseph Sala Jr., was an Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class on the U.S.S. Cebu. After his honorable discharge he was employed at Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County for 36 years.
The ceremony was suggested by the late Alfonso W. Pescatore, who was honored posthumously.
“Morris View has always had several veterans as residents, and being the Morris County nursing home, we thought it would be a nice thing to do for the veterans here. It was great,” said Kenneth W. Brenzel of Morris County Veterans’ Services.
Veterans were given Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals.
Medal recipients included Richard Burke, a 1957 graduate of Morris Hills Regional High School who served in Vietnam, and also as a military policeman in Germany. He joined the Army in 1959; after his service he worked as a projectionist for 35 years.
John J. “Johnny” Harrigan Jr. served as an Army cook during the Vietnam War. His decorations include the Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Sharpshooter Badge.
Kevin Mulholland served in the Navy at the New London Submarine Base in Groton, CT, attaining the rank of quartermaster. He was honorably discharged in 1980.
Carl P. Russel served as a Navy mechanic on aircraft and submarines.
Thank you Brian for covering this story. My father was honored at this ceremony and was very touched by it. This means a great deal to our family. Would you have any more photos of the event that you could kindly share with us?