From Congressman Nolan’s Monday Report E-Newsletter dated 6 Jun 2016 –

Service to our military Veterans is central to the mission of our Congressional office. When mistakes at the Pentagon deny 8th District military Veterans the long-overdue medals and benefits they have earned in service to our Nation, my staff and I are honored to help make things right. After successfully working to resolve their 40-year old cases so they could finally receive their military benefits, I was privileged to present former Marine Corps Corporal David Danielson and former Army Specialist Michael Hartse with medals from a grateful nation during ceremonies with friends and family in Duluth.

Corporal Danielson served in Vietnam and Cambodia from 1974 until the end of the war. For 41 years, a clerical error on his discharge papers prevented him from being eligible for military Veterans health benefits he urgently needed. After virtually giving up hope, he contacted our office. Working with the National Personnel Records Center, the Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy, we were able to correct his records, secure his benefits and present him with the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. This is a special recognition awarded only for operations for which no other U.S. campaign medal is approved, and where armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action was encountered.

Specialist Hartse also served in Vietnam, where he received special orders awarding him the Combat Infantryman Badge. However, his service records failed to include the badge, along with several other medals he had earned. Once again, we worked with the Department of the Army and the National Personnel Records Center to update his records. And on Friday, I was honored to present him not only with the Combat Infantryman Badge, but also with the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and a Marksman Badge. And on behalf of the Congress, I was honored to thank both Specialist Hartse and Corporal Danielson for their service to our great Nation.

Vet 1       Vet 2

Top: Presenting the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to former Marine Corporal David Danielson. Bottom: A round of applause for former Army Specialist Michael Hartse after he received five long-overdue medals including the Vietnam Service Medal.