Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, shakes the hand of World War II veteran Roy Long after pinning the Bronze Star medal onto the lapel of his jacket during a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis.
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, speaks of the heroism veteran Roy Long displayed while in the European theatre in World War II during a ceremony honoring Long with the Bronze Star on Wednesday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis.
People listen to Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, as she speaks of the heroism veteran Roy Long displayed while in the European theatre in World War II during a ceremony honoring Long with the Bronze Star on Wednesday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis.
Attendees take photos of Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, right, as she poses for a picture with World War II veteran and Bronze Star recipient Roy Long, center-right, his son Jim Long, center-left, and Jim's wife, Georgea, after a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis.
Just over two years ago, World War II veteran and Lewis County resident Roy Long opened up to his son about his time serving overseas.
“I told him I wanted my grandchildren to know what he went through so that they could live free,” Roy’s son, Jim Long, said.
After hearing and recording his father’s stories, Jim knew his 91-year-old father deserved more recognition than he had received for his service.
Jim Long worked with Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., and her office for the past two years to get his dad the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
On Wednesday at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, the congresswoman pinned the medal and badge on the lapel of Roy Long’s jacket.
“I always feel really humbled in an instance like this that I get to present an award to someone for an act of heroism during the military service,” Herrera Beutler said.
The Bronze Star is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for heroic achievement or service in a combat zone.
The Combat Infantryman Badge is awarded to U.S. Army veterans who were of the rank of colonel or below who fought in active ground combat in an infantry, Ranger or special forces unit.
Roy Long described receiving the medals as “overwhelming.”
Herrera Beutler shared a story from Roy Long’s time during the war with those who attended the award ceremony.
Roy Long was serving in the 276th Infantry Regiment as a staff sergeant and squad leader of the third squad in the platoon during the Battle for Forbach in France.
After suffering many losses and at half-strength, the platoon was tasked with taking out a German machine gun nest, which required crossing an open area under fire.
The first squad attempted the attack, but was wiped out by the enemy.
The second squad made its attempt, and the few soldiers who survived were trapped.
Roy Long resisted sending his squad to the nest.
“He knew he could get in trouble for disobeying, but this was clearly a suicide mission and he knew there had to be a better way,” Herrera Beutler said.
Roy Long concocted a plan to have a scout, covered by a blanket of fire from the weapons platoon, go out first. The soldiers were then able to follow and reached the nest. The Germans surrendered.
“Even though they had accomplished their mission, their platoon suffered many losses, brave men Roy said he would never forget,” Herrera Beutler said.
Jim Long told The Chronicle that his father knew if his squad charged the nest, he and the majority of his men would be killed and that wouldn’t help anyone.
Roy Long said he’s now shared all of his WWII stories with his son.
“A lot of experiences are unbelievable,” he said.
Not only was it painful and emotional for Roy Long to remember and share stories about fighting in WWII, but it was difficult for his son to hear the stories, which he recorded, transcribed and shared with family members.
“I never knew what he went through,” Jim Long said. “But I was bound and determined after getting that all recorded. He deserves some recognition.”
Herrera Beutler said getting the recognition and honor can take a long time, but is worth it.
She said part of the reason it can take years to get the medals is getting the correct records and documentation to prove requirements are met.
“Not everything is kept the way it is today, so you have to kind of reconstruct the events,” Herrera Beutler said.
Herrera Beutler’s office can help veterans and their families track down required information, but sometimes the documentation can’t be found.
The congresswoman is currently collecting stories and photographs from Southwest Washington veterans to share on her website during the month of November.
“I think it’s good to honor (veterans). I think it’s good to teach our children where their freedom comes from,” Herrera Beutler said. “I think it is just to the benefit of a community to make sure we instill honor where honor is due.”
Stories and photos can be emailed to share.vet.stories@gmail.com or mailed to O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Suite B, Vancouver, WA 98661.
