By:Krzysztof Scibiorski
Six Hillsborough and Manville veterans joined about 80 of their comrades-in-arms of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm in receiving the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal in a recent ceremony at Manville’s VFW Post.
Acting Gov. Donald DiFrancesco attended the Dec. 27 ceremony and helped present the state’s highest military decoration to the assembled veterans. "They are people whose patriotism never wavered, even before Sept. 11," said acting Gov. DiFrancesco of the veterans. "The debt we owe for the sacrifices they have made for the greatest nation on earth is tremendous."
Hundreds of friends and family members crowded into the post’s hall to join the acting governor in honoring the veterans.
Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-N.J., also praised the medal recipients. "We owe you a debt of gratitude. You are our heroes, you have put yourselves in harm’s way," he said.
Army Pfc. John Buckovecky of Manville attended the ceremony along with other Post 2290 recipients Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Polak and Navy Seaman 1st Class John "Babe" Lysy.
"I felt shaky all day from the excitement; it’s a great honor," said Mr. Lysy, who served in World War II. "We’ve been friends for over 50 years, we grew up together in Manville. We did what we could to help our country."
Mr. Buckovecky, a past commander of the American Legion Post 304 in Manville, recalled serving in World War II.
"I was a machine gunner in Patton’s 3rd Army, and fought through Italy and into France," he said.
Mr. Polak, a borough councilman and Korean War veteran, also was awarded the medal.
Also honored were Hillsborough residents Army Spec. 4 Stephen Kassay, Army Spec. 4 Joseph Lucash and Marine Corps Cpl. Barry Miller, all of whom served during the Vietnam War. None of the Hillsborough award winners could be reached before the New’s deadline.
Veterans receiving the N.J. Distinguished Service Medal must meet several criteria: be current residents of New Jersey; have been a resident of New Jersey at the time of entry into the military; had been honorably discharged, and have proof of having served in combat while on active duty.
Additional information for veterans interested in receiving the medal can be obtained at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at (609) 530-6890 or at http://www.state.nj.us/military/veterans/dsm.html
