For Release: Wednesday, November 9, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
Caseyville, IL - A World War II veteran from Madison, Illinois was honored by receiving his Purple Heart medal on Monday, November 7, 2005 during a ceremony conducted by U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL).
Congressman Costello presented the Purple Heart medal to Norvell C. White of Madison, Illinois at the Caseyville Care Center in Caseyville, Illinois. The Purple Heart medal is awarded to those service members injured or killed in battle.
Mr. White began his service with the U.S. Navy in 1943. He participated in the D-Day invasion in 1944 and during the war he served in France, Belgium and western portions of Germany. Mr. White was injured in Spring, 1945 while serving in the Ruhr Valley and received a shrapnel wound from an exploding mortar shell during combat operations.
Mr. White also served in the Pacific Theatre and was assigned as a crew member to the U.S. Navy Presidential Unit. He retired from the Navy in 1964.
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