Byron Man Awarded Bronze Star Posthumously [VIDEO]

Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger was in town this week for a very special presentation. He presented the family of Cpl. Kenneth Hevrin with the Bronze Star, the fourth highest military decoration for valor.

According to the Register Star, the World War II vet died earlier this year at the age of 88:

After hearing of Hevrin's death, Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., adjunct general of the Illinois National Guard, teamed up with staff historians to unearth specific journal entries regarding Hevrin's regiment. The entries, though brief, were concise and pointed; they painted vivid pictures of Hevrin's experiences in Germany. Hayes read them aloud at the ceremony.

One entry from March 4, 1945, in Orenhofen reads: "This is one place that no one will ever forget. Assisted ... Company in repulsing a series of vicious counterattacks; endured five days of never-ceasing shelling (It was here we lost our well-beloved CO)." Another entry from March 13, 1945, in Maring reads: "Lost a great many men but finally made it. Stayed here three days despite the man shortage; filled spare moments combing the woods."

Hevrin's family also received eight other awards. We salute him and his family and are appreciative of his service.

Here's a piece from WIFR on the cermony: