Hoeven Presents Medals to Well-Decorated Korean War Veteran

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today presented U.S. Army veteran Robert Salsman the military service medals he earned during the Korean War. Because many veterans earn awards in the line of duty without being presented the medal, the U.S. government honors requests for one complete reissue of medals earned. Salsman chose Hoeven to present his medals to him at today’s ceremony.

“I am deeply honored to present these medals to Robert today,” Hoeven said. “When our servicemen and women come home from war, we pledge never to forget the sacrifices they make. As these medals attest, Robert made heroic sacrifices 60 years ago during his service in Korea. Today’s presentation reminds us that we always need to recognize and appreciate the tremendous efforts our veterans put forth for our country and its freedoms.”

Salsman’s medals include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge 1^st Award, and the United Nations Service Medal. His service included fighting in two well-known battles, the Battle of Bloody Ridge, and the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge.

Salsman served from January 1951 through August 1952 as a BAR Gunner and as a Squad Leader while serving with Company K, 23^rd Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Infantry Division. He achieved the military ranking of corporal.

After leaving the service, Salsman worked as a security guard in Greenland, a police officer in Fargo, as a clerk for the Great Northern railroad, and as a car salesman for 20 years. Today, he is an active member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Hoeven serves on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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