Veteran presented with war medals in special ceremony

OAKFIELD, Maine — Sometimes good things do come to those who wait.
On Monday, Feb. 7, James T. Roach, 84, of Merrill was presented with 10 medals for his service in the military, dating back to World War II and the Korean War. A large crowd of citizens from Smyrna, Merrill and Oakfield gathered at the Oakfield Snowmobile Club to see Roach receive his awards during an emotional evening.
    Col. Verne C. McMoarn, brigade commander for the 52nd Troop Command of the Maine Army National Guard, presented Roach with his medals. American Legion Post No. 52 was instrumental in getting the awards and medals for Roach.
Roach was born on April 17, 1926 in Merrill and attended the local schools. When he was old enough, he was employed as a section hand for the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. He was drafted into the Army during World War II and served with the 4th Infantry Regiment as an anti-tank gun crewman in North Africa, Central Europe and the Rhineland.
He was recalled to active service on Nov. 2, 1950 and served with the 3rd Infantry in Korea.
For his service in WW II, Roach was awarded the following medals: Victory Medal World War II; European African Middle Eastern Campaign; Combat Infantry Badge (first award); American Campaign (WW II); and Occupation WW II (Army medal).
For his service in Korea, Roach was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (second award); United Nations Korean Service Medal (with three Bronze Service Stars); United Nations Medal; Good Conduct Medal (second award with two Bronze Knots); and National Defense Service Medal.
He also received two awards from a foreign government — the ROK Korean War Service Medal and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
Roach was presented his awards, which were placed into a commemorative shadow box, as a keepsake for him.
Two other veterans were also recognized during the ceremony. Joseph J. Mitchell, a WW II veteran, was awarded a 53-year continuous membership award and Merle S. Burpee, also a WW II veteran, was awarded a 52-year continuous service award. Adjutant Jim Burton presented both awards.
“The presentation of the membership awards and the medals to veterans is the hallmark of the Legion Post No. 52,” Burton said.