CRANSTON, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hosted a special medal ceremony honoring World War II Navy Veteran Andrew Kacharo, 95, of Pawtucket.  Reed presented Mr. Kacharo with the military awards he earned but never received following his World War II service with the U.S. Navy.

Born in Pawtucket, Mr. Kacharo was just 21 years old when he joined the Navy in October 1942.  He served during World War II as a Fireman First Class until October 1945.

“On behalf of a grateful nation today it was my honor to present Mr. Kacharo with the military awards he earned in service to this country.  Mr. Kacharo’s selfless courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and these medals will serve as a small token of our enduring respect and gratitude.  Mr. Kacharo and so many of his fellow World War II veterans are humble about their service, and it is important that we continue to honor and celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our nation,” said Senator Reed, a former Army Ranger and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Senator Reed presented Mr. Kacharo with the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Discharge Button, and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck). 

The attention to orders for the ceremony note that Mr. Kacharo's military service was “in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States of America.”

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