Paramus resident, a Vietnam veteran, receives long-overdue service medals

After nearly 40 years of not being properly honored, Paramus resident Kenneth Marusko was officially presented with the medals he earned during Vietnam, including a Purple Heart and Air Medal, on Jan. 11.

Congressman Scott Garrett (left) congratulates Ken Maruska, joined by his wife, Lois, after presenting Maruska with medals earned during his service in Vietnam. Maruska is holding a Purple Heart.

Marusko served in the Army from 1965 to 1967, first as a member of the Military Police in Brooklyn, and then as a Specialist in the First Calvary Division in Vietnam. During his time in Vietnam, he participated in several helicopter missions, was shot in the leg and suffered shrapnel wounds.

He was regularly out in the field and was unavailable during several base camp ceremonies, which is how some fellow soldiers received decorations. Upon returning home, he received official notification that he earned the medals, but not physical copies.

"I never received the medals," Marusko said. "They just sent me orders for the medals in the mail."

Initially Marusko wasn't concerned with being officially decorated, and became busy with regular life. He moved from Teaneck to Paramus, where he has resided for the last 28 years, working for a Ford plant in Mahwah and at APA Transport in North Bergen.

"At the time I was putting Vietnam behind me and getting back to the civilian life, and I didn't think much about it," Maruska said.

While people suggested various avenues of inquiry, Marusko never received more than a confirmation letter that someone would look into it. After contacting Congressman Scott Garrett, he received the medals two weeks later, giving him mementos that can be passed down to future generations.

"As time went on I had kids, and now I have grandkids, and I said, 'You know, it would be nice to get the medals to show them,'" Marusko said.

About a dozen veterans a year contact Garrett's office for help receiving their medals, according to Constituent Services Officer Andrew Whitehouse. The process can take some time, as each veteran's service has to be confirmed for the criteria of every medal they received.

"We get the written request from the veteran, then we send it to our contacts at the National Archives," Whitehouse said. "Then they coordinate with the branch of service to make sure all the criteria and eligibility is correct."

For his service, Marusko received the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal and Purple Heart.

"It feels fantastic," Marusko said upon finally receiving his medals. "It's been a 45-year odyssey, and it's finally come to a close."