Secretary of State George H. Ryan (far right) is joined by Russell
E. Dunham of Jerseyville (left) and Harold A. Fritz of Peoria at a
display honoring them and Illinois' five other living recipients of the
Medal of Honor. The special exhibit, recently unveiled in the State
Capitol, will be available for loan to various veterans' conventions
and meetings.
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"Honoring Illinois Heroes"
Display Unveiled in State Capitol
By GEORGE H. RYAN, SECRETARY OF STATE
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In mid-January, I had the privilege of unveiling a
display that can be a source of pride for all Illinoisans:
an exhibit honoring the heroism of the state's seven
living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.
With U.S. troops in Bosnia today, it is particularly
important to remember our military heroes. Of the
seven Medal of Honor recipients profiled in the display,
four served in World War II and three in the Vietnam
War. These men come from all reaches of our state:
Richard Earl Bush, Waukegan; Clyde L. Choate, Anna;
Sammy L. Davis, Flat Rock; Russell E. Dunham, Jerseyville; Robert Hugo Dunlap, Monmouth; Harold A.
Fritz, Peoria; and Allen James Lynch, Gurnee.
While these men hail from different parts of Illinois,
they hold at least one thing in common: In each instance, a personal act of courage was demonstrated that
was nothing short of extraordinary. These men exhibited bravery and gallantry on the field of battle that we
can barely begin to comprehend, and because of their
self-sacrifice and patriotic spirit they will be remembered forever in the annals of our nation's history.
The display, entitled "Honoring Illinois Heroes," is
currently located just east of the Capitol Rotunda, near
a memorial to Illinois prisoners of war. The intention,
however, is to loan the display throughout the year for
various veterans' conventions and meetings.
It is appropriate that the display should have its
initial showing in the Capitol where so many citizens of
Illinois come to visit. It is all the more significant because school children, who visit the State House in large
numbers, can be reminded that there are real heroes
who walk among us every day.
The Congressional Medal of Honor was created in
1861 during the Civil War. It is reserved to be bestowed
on those serving in the armed forces whose conduct is
noteworthy of "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life and above and beyond the
call of duty."
Since its creation 135 years ago, this high military
honor has been awarded to 3,401 recipients — including
one woman. In all, 199 of the Medal of Honor recipients
have been from Illinois. Across the U.S. there are 184
living recipients.
Troops in Bosnia
Our nation has upwards of 20,000 troops deployed
in Bosnia, and Illinois has a unit on standby. Our hope,
of course, is for peace, but if Americans are called to
defend the peace, heroism will not be in short supply.
On Dec. 22,1995, an Executive Order was signed by
the Governor directing that any state employee who has
been activated in this mission should not lose compensation or benefits because of his or her military service.
Measures are also in place to ensure that health insurance and other benefits are preserved as well.
I applaud this effort and invite readers to consider
something that they can do to support the troops: Write
a letter. Just like during Operation Desert Storm, our
military personnel need friendly letters from their fellow Americans to serve as encouragement and support.
Please take a few minutes to write a note to express
good wishes and voice support for their selfless military
service. Send correspondence to:
Any Navy/Marine Corps Personnel
Operation Joint Endeavor
APO-AE 09398
The seven veterans profiled in the new exhibit on
the Medal of Honor went into the horror of battle and
put the lives of others and their duty to serve ahead of
their personal safety. Hearing their incredible deeds
should make each of us feel a little prouder to live in
America — which is indeed the "home of the brave." •
February 1996 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 29
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