Minnesota Vet Finally Receives Bronze Star

George Butorac is finally getting the medal he deserves. Butorac earned the Bronze Star Medal during World War II while serving with the Army in the European Theater - but he never received it. Decades later, his family contacted U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, who petitioned the Army about the matter.The omission will be remedied Friday when Peter Makowski, a staffer for Oberstar, presents Butorac with the Bronze Star at the Guardian Angels Skilled Care Facility here. The Bronze Star was awarded during World War II to soldiers who distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Butorac, a medic, won the medal for his quick action in giving first aid to a wounded soldier while he was under direct fire from the enemy. "It is an honor to provide this symbol of Mr. Butorac's faithful and dedicated service to our nation during a time of great need. Like thousands of other members of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Butorac made a difference, and it is important that he receives the recognition he deserves," Oberstar said in a statement. After graduating from Hibbing High School in 1942, Butorac worked at the Oliver Mining Co. and served in the Army from 1943 to 1945 as a private and private first class. As a medic, he was with a field artillery unit in combat in Europe and was in action in three campaigns in Southern and Northern France. Butorac also had been assigned to an ammunition service unit, serving as a munitions worker loading bombs onto ammunition trucks. The Army reviewed Butorac's military records and found that the Bronze Star Medal citation and medal set had never been given to him. Oberstar is working with the Army to obtain additional awards and ribbons to which Butorac is entitled, including three Bronze Campaign Stars, a Victory Ribbon and a Good Conduct Ribbon.