releases: http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398637
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398637 | <span class="kicker">***Ocean Twp. vet, 90, never received medals after the war***</span>Monmouth Co. World War II Vet Presented Medals for Service | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) presented long-overdue medals to Alfred Caponigro of Ocean Township, Monmouth County, on Dec. 22, nearly 73 years to the day after the veteran enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Caponigro enlisted Dec. 28, 1942, and fought in the Battle of Normandy on D-Day and the days afterward off Utah Beach on the coastal patrol vessel PC 1176, the sister ship of which was sunk during the battle. During his service, he became deaf and was discharged with a 100 percent disability rating by the Navy. In front of many of the veterans seven children, 25 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and other friends and family at the veterans home, Smith presented Mr. Caponigro with: World War II Victory Medal American Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Combat Action Ribbon Honorable Service Lapel Navy Honorable Discharge Lapel NJ State Distinguished Service Medal Smith also presented him with the French Legion of Honor, the highest honor France bestows on non-French citizens. Smith asked the French Consulate in New York to expedite the medal. Smith sent a letter to the National Archives National Person Records Center requesting the medals be issued. The Navy approved the medals and Smith received the medals in November. It is witha sincere gesture of gratitude that I give you these, said Smith, who was the chairman of the Veterans Committee in the House of Representatives for four years. You earned them. You are the greatest generation. A humble man, Mr. Caponigro said he would not accept medals after the war because of all of the other Americans who didnt make it back, or who lost limbs and other injuries. His family, in particular his grandson Bob Williams, encouraged him to seek the medals for the familys history, and he contacted Smiths office in September for assistance. Smith has written 13 bills that have been enacted into law to assist veterans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |