WWII vet gets overdue medals
By Chas Reilly for Northwest Indiana Times

One day, while discussing their military experiences, Dave Shaver discovered his friend Charles Swisher never received the medals he earned while serving in World War II.

Shaver wanted to make certain Swisher would receive them, and ultimately contacted U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky's office about the matter.

"Congressman Visclosky has a long record of working with veterans," Shaver said.

Visclosky, D-Ind., on Monday presented Swisher with the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with Silver Star attachment, World War II Victory Medal and American Campaign Medal that Swisher didn't receive after the war.

"This has been a great day," Swisher said after receiving the medals at Wittenberg Lutheran Village.

Swisher, 93, of Crown Point, commended Shaver and Visclosky for their work, and thanked his family and friends for attending the ceremony.

Swisher served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was involved in at least seven campaigns in Europe, and was wounded while serving in Italy, said Shaver, a former U.S. Army colonel.

Visclosky said Swisher served in the Battle of the Bulge, and told Swisher it was an honor to help secure Swisher's medals.

"I deeply appreciate your sense of patriotism," Visclosky said to Swisher.

Shaver said there could be many reasons why Swisher never received the medals following the war, including a fire that destroyed military records in 1957.

In addition to receiving the medals, Crown Point Mayor David Uran presented Swisher with a Crown Point flag.