PASCOAG, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hosted a special medal ceremony at Pine Grove Nursing Home to honor Army Veteran Corporal Joseph Gerard Lefebvre, 83, of Pascoag with the Purple Heart Medal he earned when wounded in combat during his courageous Korean War service.

Born in Providence, Cpl. Lefebvre served his country in the U.S. Army from October 1948 to June 1955, joining the service when he was just 18 years old.  He served with the 8th Cavalry Regiment, and was wounded in combat when he was shot in the leg by enemy fire.

“It was my honor today to present Mr. Lefebvre with a small token of our enduring gratitude and respect for the service he rendered on behalf of our nation.  I join all Rhode Islanders in thanking Joseph, his family, and all our veterans for their the uncommon courage and extraordinary sacrifices,“ said Reed, a former Army Ranger and senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

In addition to the prestigious Purple Heart Award, Cpl. Lefebvre was also presented with other military honors he earned but never received after completing his Korean War service, including: the Good Conduct Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Korean Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star; the United Nations Service Medal; the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award; the Presidential Unit Citation; and the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp.

The attention to orders for the ceremony note: “Mr. Lefebvre's service was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States of America.”  The orders continue: “Our nation and the State of Rhode Island gives our grateful thanks to Mr. Lefebvre for his dedicated and loyal service to the United States Army.”

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Group photo caption information: (L-R): U.S. Senator Jack Reed; Doris Graham (Sister); Joseph Lefebvre (Honored Veteran); Dolores Lefebve (Sister-in-law); Claire Hoogasian (Sister); Edmund Lafebvre (Brother)