WWII Army Ranger from NEPA honored with Congressional Gold Medal
Jun. 27—HAWLEY — At 100 years old, World War II veteran Sgt. Joseph Drake of Hawley is a living testament to courage and sacrifice, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. said this week.
Rep. Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, joined Congressional leaders and Presidential Cabinet members to honor Sgt. Drake with the Congressional Gold Medal — the highest honor presented by Congress.
Sgt. Drake and Pfc. John Wardell accepted the medal on behalf of all WWII Army Rangers.
"Today, we honor Sgt. Joseph Drake for his valor and service to our country as a WWII Army Ranger," said Bresnahan. "As a WWII Army Ranger, Sgt. Drake answered the call of duty with extraordinary bravery, scaling cliffs and storming enemy lines so that others might live in freedom. His service with the 2nd Ranger Battalion reminds us of the extraordinary bravery that helped secure our freedom."
The ceremony included remarks from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor given by Congress. It recognizes individuals or groups whose achievements have made a lasting impact on American history and culture.
Since the first medal was awarded to George Washington in 1776, it has honored military leaders, scientists, artists and others who have shaped our nation. To date, the award has been presented to less than 200 recipients.
"This medal is not only a symbol of Sgt. Drake's heroism, but a testament to the sacrifice, grit and unbreakable spirit of every Ranger who fought beside him," said Bresnahan. "It is an immense honor to pay tribute to him today, and I am incredibly proud to represent him in Congress. Sgt. Drake's legacy and service drive the work I do in Congress every day."
Bresnahan was joined in Washington, D.C., by Pennsylvania State Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton. State Rep. Jeff Olsommer, who represents Sgt. Drake in the Pennsylvania State House and worked with Bresnahan to ensure the award was received, could not attend the ceremony in person.
"Mr. Drake is a true local hero," said Olsommer. "It was an honor to meet him, and when I learned that he was still waiting to receive his Congressional Gold Medal, I was deeply concerned. I shared those concerns with our Congressman, Rob Bresnahan. He and his team responded immediately and worked diligently to ensure Mr. Drake received the recognition he so greatly deserves. I'm proud to have played a small part in that process. I'm thrilled for Mr. Drake and his family — and I'm incredibly proud to have him as a constituent of the 139th District."
"It was a privilege to witness Sgt. Drake receive the Congressional Gold Medal today," said Watro. "He is an American patriot whose legacy will inspire generations to come and his service is an example of the extraordinary strength of our WWII heroes. I am pleased I was able to join him today for this incredible ceremony, and I thank Rep. Bresnahan for inviting me to witness this great honor."
Drake was drafted on April 30, 1943, and sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, with the newly formed 69th Infantry Division. He later joined the Ranger Company A, 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion, where he patrolled the area around the landing sites in search of enemy troops.
He fought in some of the fiercest campaigns of the war, including the Battle of Brest, the Huertgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 after the deactivation of the 2nd Ranger Battalion.
The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to the World War II Army Rangers in recognition of their extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and critical contributions during the war. This medal serves as a lasting symbol of the nation's gratitude. It honors not only the courage of the Army Rangers during one of the most critical moments in modern history but also acknowledges the enduring legacy of an elite group that once numbered 7,000 and now includes just five living members.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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