World War II Navy Veteran to Receive Medals After 70 Years

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder will present medals earned by First Class Petty Officer James L. Horton for his service on the USS Denver during World War II in 1943 and 1944.  Horton will receive the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (1silver service star and 3 bronze service stars), America Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Combat Action Ribbon on Saturday, April 19 at Morningside of Gallatin at 1085 Hartsville Pike in Gallatin at 2:00 p.m. (CDT). 

Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) will perform the “Star Spangled Banner”, the American Legion Post 17 Color Guard will post Colors and the Horton family will perform to conclude the ceremony. 

Horton was 23-years old when he was stationed onboard the USS Denver during World War II.  He is the only surviving Tennessean from the ship’s crew and one of only six living shipmates out of 300. 

WHO:              First Class Petty Officer James L. Horton, Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder, State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster), American Legion Post 17 Color Guard

WHAT:           Medal Presentation Ceremony for First Class Petty Officer James L. Horton

WHEN:           Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. (CDT)

WHERE:         Morningside of Gallatin, 1085 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin 37066

To learn more about the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, visit tn.gov/veteran.

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