07.03.12

Hoeven, Conrad Honor WWII Veteran Kenneth Johnston

MINOT, N.D. – Senators John Hoeven and Kent Conrad today presented military honors to North Dakota native Pvt. First Class Kenneth Johnston who served in the United States Army during World War II. Johnston’s military decorations had been stored in his parents’ Sanish, North Dakota home but were misplaced following their deaths in 1957. Pvt. Johnston’s family worked with Sen. Conrad to secure duplicates of the medals and with Sen. Hoeven to hold a ceremony to present and honor Pvt. Johnston with these medals.

“Today we recognize Pvt. Johnston for his commendable service during WWII,” the senators said in a joint statement. “Pvt. Johnston is an American hero who has served his country with great dedication and pride. As our nation pauses to celebrate Independence Day, it seems fitting and right that we should re-award Pvt. Johnston the honors he earned, remember his honorable service, and give thanks for his efforts to defend the blessings of liberty and freedom.”

Johnston enlisted in the Army in February 1942 and served until November 1945. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal; Presidential Unit Citation; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII; and Marksman Badge with rifle bar.

During today’s ceremony, Hoeven and Conrad joined members of Johnston’s family to honor his military service through the re-awarding of the lost military recognitions he earned during WWII.