By Michael Howell
World War II veterans Lt. Colonel Charles Zadra, of Missoula, Colonel Edward Sperry, of Stevensville, Corporal Richard Nelson, of Stevensville, and Lt. J. G. Raymond Gonzalez, of Stevensville each received several medals related to their military service at a ceremony held in Lewis and Clark Park last Saturday. Medals were awarded posthumously and accepted by family members of Staff Sgt. Robert Vernon and Sgt. Carl L. DeVries.
The event was sponsored by the non-profit organization of the 61st Assault Helicopter Company and local accountant Gordon Wax. Wax has worked tirelessly for over a decade investigating the records of military servicemen in Montana to determine the various medals and awards that were earned but not necessarily ever recognized by the military or the servicemen themselves.
Wax said that since getting involved in researching veterans’ files he was surprised to learn that so many veterans were not being properly recognized for their service. He attributes this to a few problems with the system. For one thing, the awards program was not taught and not briefed at discharge and as a result many veterans have no awareness of omissions and errors in their records. Another problem is that Section 1130, delayed awards, doesn’t work smoothly as intended. A member of Congress (Senator or Representative) must pass the recommendation to the secretary of the subject branch, i.e. Army or Navy. Recommendations under this section take an inordinate amount of time, sometimes being finalized after the veteran’s death.
Wax was inspired to make a difference and started working with the Montana First Voluntary Military Review Panel and individual veterans to help set the record straight and get the deserved medals and awards issued. For instance, in the case of Lt. J. G. Raymond Gonzalez who served as a Navy Hellcat pilot off the U.S.S. Yorktown near Japan, Wax was able to successfully recommend the Legion of Merit award for Gonzalez’s refusal to strafe enemy soldiers floating helplessly in the sea after he sank their ship off the coast of Japan. Awards made by the panel are pending until formally reviewed and accepted by the military. Gonzalez also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two gold stars as well as other awards based on various criteria.
Wax is ready and willing to help any service member get the full recognition that they deserve. He may be reached by email at gwaxcpa@msn.com. Put the word “awards” in the subject line.