WINDHAM — U.S. Rep. Charles Bass presented veteran William Marino with his long awaited service medals Thursday before an audience of local officials and members of the police and fire departments.

“It's a great honor for you,” Bass said. “It's also very important for us to reflect on the fact that so many service people are doing so much for us every day.”

Almost 50 years after completing his military service, Marino, 77, received his National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and the Marksman Marksmanship Badge with Rifle and Carbine Bars.

He received applause from those in attendance at the ceremony held in Town Hall.

Presenting the medals is one of the unique honors given to members of congress, Bass said. He thanked Marino for his military service.

Getting the medals started as a practical matter after being denied a veterans tax allowance because the medals were not shown in his discharge records, Marino said.

“My philosophy is if you can't raise a drawbridge you've got to lower the river,” Marino said.

He contacted Bass's office. The staff was able to provide a new form and an application for two Vietnam area medals that will document the fact that he served in Korea. That application is being reviewed at the Pentagon.

“I expect to hear from them within the month,” Marino said.

More importantly, Marino can now show his medals to his 9-year-old grandson, Hunter. Marino comes from a military family and Hunter has shown interest in medals presented to relatives who served in World War 1 and World War II.

“My grandson will be proud of me,” Marino said.

To which Bass replied, “We're all proud of you.”

Marino joined the military in 1958 and served in Army Security through 1961, achieving the rank of Specialist 5. He did not see combat but was serving in a war zone on constant alert.

“We had to be ready to go at a moment's notice,” Marino said.

A lot of good has come out of his military service, Marino said. He received his veterans benefits retroactively in 1968.

“On those benefits alone I was able to finish law school and business school,” Marino said.

He holds an MBA and a law degree. Marino moved to Windham in 1976 with his wife, Susan, and their two daughters.

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Julie Hanson may be reached at Jhanson@newstote.com.