For Release: Monday, January 9, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO TO PRESENT MILITARY MEDALS TO WILLISVILLE AREA VETERAN

Willisville, IL - A World War II veteran from Willisville, Illinois was honored by receiving his military medals on Friday, January 6, 2006 by U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL).  Congressman Costello presented the medals to Wilbur "Wib" Alms at a ceremony held with family and friends in the Willisville City Hall.

Mr. Alms served in the US Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945. He served in the European Theatre as a rifleman. On July 6, 1944, while serving in France, Mr. Alms was wounded by enemy forces, as a result of these wounds he is entitled to be awarded the Purple Heart, in addition to other service medals.

Congressman Costello awarded Mr. Alms with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star medal, the Good Conduct medal, the American Campaign medal, the World War II Victory medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, the Expert Badge and Bayonet Bar, the Marksman Badge and Carbine and pistol bars and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.

Mr. Alms had previously contacted Congressman Costello's office asking for assistance in securing replacement medals.

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