CREST HILL – Through hearing World War II stories from her grandfather over the years, Jody Woodley learned there was one particular medal that U.S. Army veteran Robert Barcus never received for his service.
It was the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon – presented to servicemen who served five campaigns or major battles over the course of service.
Barcus, now 96, talked about it often – so often that he brought it up to Woodley on Saturday on his way to a surprise awards ceremony at the Willow Falls Senior Living Community in Crest Hill.
“Every time I see my grandpa, he asks me, ‘Do you think we’re going to get that medal?’ Just before we came down here, he asked me, ‘Do you think we’re going to get that medal?’ ” Jody Woodley said. “Well, grandpa, with a little bit of research, letter-writing and help from a senator, I’m proud to finally tell you that we did it.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Illinois, presented Barcus with the medal Saturday surrounded by Barcus’ many family and friends. Even Barcus’ wife, Sylvia, who was in the hospital at the time, was able to watch him receive his medal of honor through live video stream on FaceTime.
“Bob, I’m here to honor your service because you saved America. You hit the beach at Omaha and fought at the Battle of Hürtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge,” Kirk said. “Like many in your generation, you didn’t collect all your medals. ... We looked up your record, and it’s outstanding.”
Kirk pinned the medal to Barcus’ badge and thanked him for his service.
Barcus, who donned his WWII uniform Saturday, is a longtime Joliet resident. For more than 50 years, Barcus worked on the Rock Island railroad before retiring from Metra.
Barcus has two children, Mary Ann Fabbre and BJ Barcus, according to his family. He also has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Before the ceremony, Kirk and Barcus talked about his time in World War II. Barcus said he lost friends in combat and misses the men he fought with the most.
“You miss the guys you were with. You lived and died together,” Barcus said.
On Saturday, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Barcus finally received the award he had waited years to receive.
“We got that medal that you’ve been waiting for,” Woodley said.
It was the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon – presented to servicemen who served five campaigns or major battles over the course of service.
Barcus, now 96, talked about it often – so often that he brought it up to Woodley on Saturday on his way to a surprise awards ceremony at the Willow Falls Senior Living Community in Crest Hill.
“Every time I see my grandpa, he asks me, ‘Do you think we’re going to get that medal?’ Just before we came down here, he asked me, ‘Do you think we’re going to get that medal?’ ” Jody Woodley said. “Well, grandpa, with a little bit of research, letter-writing and help from a senator, I’m proud to finally tell you that we did it.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Illinois, presented Barcus with the medal Saturday surrounded by Barcus’ many family and friends. Even Barcus’ wife, Sylvia, who was in the hospital at the time, was able to watch him receive his medal of honor through live video stream on FaceTime.
“Bob, I’m here to honor your service because you saved America. You hit the beach at Omaha and fought at the Battle of Hürtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge,” Kirk said. “Like many in your generation, you didn’t collect all your medals. ... We looked up your record, and it’s outstanding.”
Kirk pinned the medal to Barcus’ badge and thanked him for his service.
Barcus, who donned his WWII uniform Saturday, is a longtime Joliet resident. For more than 50 years, Barcus worked on the Rock Island railroad before retiring from Metra.
Barcus has two children, Mary Ann Fabbre and BJ Barcus, according to his family. He also has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Before the ceremony, Kirk and Barcus talked about his time in World War II. Barcus said he lost friends in combat and misses the men he fought with the most.
“You miss the guys you were with. You lived and died together,” Barcus said.
On Saturday, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Barcus finally received the award he had waited years to receive.
“We got that medal that you’ve been waiting for,” Woodley said.
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