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Huizenga Presents Medals to World War II Veteran From Muskegon

Muskegon, MI, October 11, 2011 | Lauren Phillips ((202) 225-4401)

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, MI-02, honored Harold Hines of Muskegon in a medal ceremony with eight medals and citations for honorable military service during World War II. Hines piloted a Martin Maurader and flew almost 40 missions during the war, including integral missions toward the end.

“It is one of my proudest moments in office to be able to present veterans and their families with the medals they earned sacrificing so much to serve their country and protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” Huizenga said.

Hines’ daughter, Jeannie Caris, and Hines’ two sons, Bill and Tracy, attended the ceremony.

“It was a wonderful experience to have Congressman Huizenga interview dad. We’d heard some of the stories but were enlightened on others,” Caris said. “Dad has always been very modest. He didn’t talk about his experiences unless pressed. But the Congressman asked such pertinent questions, dad was very talkative.”

The medal ceremony also prompted letters from community members and fellow servicemen.

“The people who served under dad we very appreciative of his efforts and recognition,” Caris said.

Hines received a note from Max Lee, Fremont, a military pilot the Hines family knows through church. “I have deep respect for you, sir, especially for flying 39 missions in the B-26, which was also known as the widow maker. That airplane, as you know, took a highly skilled pilot to fly it. Again, sir, thank you so very much for your outstanding WWII service. The U.S. is very fortunate to have men like you!”

Hines was awarded the following medals: To learn more about these medals, please click here.

  • Air Medal
  • Presidential Unit Citation
  • American Campaign Medal
  • European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars
  • World War II Victory Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Armed Forces Reserve Medal
  • Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII

Congressman Huizenga can also help any veterans of the 2nd District obtain the medals they earned during their military service. If you or a relative are eligible to receive service medals, you are invited to learn more after the ceremony or contact Huizenga’s Cadillac office at (231) 775-0050 and speak with Jordan Kowalkowski for more information about how to start the application process.

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