Press Release - Graves Presents Medals For U.S. Army Veteran

GRAVES PRESENTS MEDALS FOR U.S. ARMY VETERAN

LIBERTY - U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today presented medals posthumously to Corporal Melvin Stokes for his service in the U.S. Army from January 1952 to December 1953. Mary Stokes, CPL Stokes' widow, accepted the medals on his behalf.

"We owe Veterans and their families every freedom that we enjoy today," said Congressman Graves. "I am committed to serving them in any way I can."

Corporal Stokes was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Bronze Star Attachment, and United Nations Service Medal.

"The Stokes' family story is so touching. Both father and son's service to our country is something to be proud of, and I am pleased I was able to present these medals to Mrs. Stokes for her son," said Congressman Graves.

Mrs. Stokes, of Jackson county, requested the medals for their son Scott Stokes, who also served in the U.S. Army during the gulf war.

Graves is a third-term Congressman representing northwest and central Missouri. He is a Deputy Whip, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Chairman of the Small Business Sub-Committee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture and Technology.

http://www.house.gov/graves/newsroom/100506b.htm