U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant

William Sutter Leonard Thorpe III James Anderson

Irving, TX, Feb 8, 2011 -

U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) presented overdue service medals to three veterans: Master Sgt. William Sutter of Irving; Capt. Leonard Thorpe III of Euless; and Flora Anderson of Carrollton on behalf of her late husband, Staff Sgt. James Anderson.

“It is an honor to present veterans in the 24^th District with medals they earned in defense of our nation’s freedom and security,” said Rep. Marchant.

Master Sgt. William Sutter served in the U.S. Army for three years and in the U.S. Air Force for27 years until retiring in 1978. Shutter was recognized with the following overdue military awards: the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the United Nations Service Medal. Sutter was accompanied by his family to receive his earned military decorations. 

Capt. Leonard Thorpee served nine years in the U.S. Air Force. His first couple of years was spent as a navigator during the Vietnam War. Rep. Marchant presented Thorpee with the Air Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. Following his military service, Thorpee was an industrial engineer at Vought Aircraft Industries for 27 years.

Flora Anderson sought assistance from Rep. Marchant’s office in retrieving her late husband, Staff Sgt. James Anderson’s medals for their grandchildren. James served in the U.S. Army for five years and fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Rep. Marchant presented Flora with her husband’s recovered military awards which include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge First Award, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. Following James’ military service, the Andersons were married and together operated a sheet metal business until retirement.

Many veterans are unaware that when they left their military service for civilian life they were due medals.  Rep. Marchant believes all veterans deserve recognition no matter the length of time that has passed since service. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran in Congressional District 24 who has earned awards for their military service but not yet received recognition, please contact John Hayes in Rep. Marchant’s Irving office at (972) 556-0162.