Hometown Focus: Nolan presents long-awaited medals to two northern Minnesota veterans

After working with the National Personnel Records Center and other agencies to retrieve long-awaited military service medals for two veterans, U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan on Friday presented David Danielson and Michael Hartse with their medals in a medal pinning ceremony at his federal office in Duluth.

David Danielson, from Cloquet, served in theMarine Corps in 1974 near the end of the Vietnam War. He saw action in Cambodia, being one of the only American troops to fight against the Khmer Rouge. A clerical error omitted parts of his service and his DD-214 was incomplete upon discharge from service. This prevented him from being eligible for veterans benefits and from receiving the military honors and awards he earned. He has been attempting to correct these records for over 40 years. After working with the National Personnel Records Center, the Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy, his records were corrected and he was awarded the United States Expeditionary Medal.

Michael Hartse, from Bovey, served in the Army during Vietnam and received special orders awarding him the Combat Infantryman Badge. His service records did not reflect that award and recommendation. Congressman Nolan was able to work with the Department of the Army and the National Personnel Records Center to update his military records with this recommendation and ultimately award him multiple service medals. Upon review of his records he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and a Marksman Badge.