GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Nearly 80 years after he joined the military, a veteran from Green Bay has received his medals for service in World War II.
U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-8th District, presented Joe Mertens with four medals this week.
According to Gallagher’s office, Mertens joined the Navy in 1943, a few months before his 18th birthday. He was stationed at Naval bases Gamadodo and Gili Gili.
The medals Mertens received were:
- Asiatic Pacific Combat Medal
- World War 2 Victory Medal
- Honorable Discharge Button
- Honorable Service Lapel Pin (The Ruptured Duck)
Mertens’ family has made a tradition of military service. His son, Tom, fought in Vietnam and grandson, Greg, in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
