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91-year-old WWII veteran receives belated medals

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul presents four military medals to Roland Cain, a 91-year-old World War II veteran who never received his awards after service in the U.S. Army.
  • Jennifer Preyss •
  • Originally published August 29, 2010 at 8:33 p.m., updated August 29, 2010 at 11:10 p.m.

  • Roland Cain's Medals:

    The World War II Victory Medal may be awarded to all members of the armed forces of the United States or of the Government of the Philippine Islands who served on active duty in World ...

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    • Roland Cain's Medals:

    The World War II Victory Medal may be awarded to all members of the armed forces of the United States or of the Government of the Philippine Islands who served on active duty in World War II at any time between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946, both dates inclusive.

    The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between 7 December 1941, and 2 March 1946, under any of the following conditions:

    On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater

    For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days

    For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent confirming actual participation in combat.

    The Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to a soldier whom while in active Federal Military duty set himself/herself apart from his/her comrades by exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a set time of uninterrupted enlisted active Federal military service.

    The Marksman Badge is presented at the completion of weapons qualification training.

    Sources: U.S. Navy Awards Manual, 1953, About.com, eHow.com

PORT LAVACA - Nearly 70 years have passed since 91-year-old Roland Cain served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

For about two-and-a-half years, he was stationed in several European countries including Germany and France before exiting the military with honor and prestigious recognition.

Only, the recognitions that were due Cain - The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with one silver bar; The World War II Victory medal; The Good Conduct medal, and The Marksman Badge with rifle bar -- never came.

Enter U.S. Rep. Ron Paul.

During a Republican Party fundraiser at the Port Lavaca Heritage Center on Sunday afternoon, the congressman surprised Cain with four neatly framed service medals, and an American flag that had been symbolically flown over the nation's capital.

"It is with great pleasure I present these medals to Roland Cain, which are so long overdue," Paul said.

Wide-eyed and thankful, Cain accepted the gifts and shook Paul's hand while a room of about 150 onlookers stood in ovation.

"It was wonderful to be honored," Cain said.

Paul explained that many former World War II servicemen qualified for medals and never received them after the war.

"At that time, people were just so ready to go home after the war they never followed up on receiving their medals," Paul said. "It was the convenience of my schedule that allowed me to do it."

Russell Cain, Calhoun County's sitting Republican Party Chairman and Roland Cain's son, was responsible for the presentation at Sunday's fundraiser, contacting Paul's office weeks ago to request the favor.

"I'm elated Congressman Paul was able to do it," Russell Cain said. "It was a great honor for him to honor our father and I very much appreciate it."

When asked what he's finally going to do with his long-delayed honors, Cain said laughing, "I'm going to keep them."