CRANSTON, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed hosted a special medal ceremony in Cranston honoring the late Army Sgt. Michael Weidemann.  Senator Reed presented the family of Sgt. Michael Weidemann with the military awards he earned but never received including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and several other medals for his meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Weidemann was 23 years old when he died on October 31, 2006 after an improvised explosive device detonated near his Light Medium Tactical Vehicle in Hit, Iraq.

Sgt. Weidemann enlisted in the Army the month after graduating from Rogers High School in 2001.

He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division.

His sister, Ms. Catherine Weidemann of West Warwick, accepted the posthumous honors on behalf of her late brother.

Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated: “Sgt. Weidemann was a brave American who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.  It is my honor to join his family in celebrating his memory and his uncommon courage and dedication.  We owe Sgt. Weidemann a debt of gratitude we can never repay, and his service will never be forgotten.”

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