San Diego Veteran Receives Overdue Bronze Star for World War II Service

SAN DIEGO, CA – Seven decades after his service overseas, San Diego’s Jack Thorpe finally received the recognition he deserves.

Congressman Scott Peters presented the Army veteran corporal with the Bronze Star Medal on Tuesday for his service during World War II.

“It is an honor to present Jack Thorpe with this long-overdue recognition,” said Peters, whose district includes the cities of Coronado and Poway, and much of the northern portion of the city of San Diego.

“One of my most rewarding jobs in Congress is honoring our nation’s heroes for their service and sacrifice,” he said. “We are forever indebted to heroes like Mr. Thorpe, who were part of a generation that gave everything they had for their country.”

Thorpe served under General George Patton’s Third Army, which spearheaded the Allied advance through Europe. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, participated in the siege of Bastogne and helped liberate the Ohrdruf concentration camp – the first German concentration camp liberated by U.S. troops.

Thorpe served from 1944 to 1946. His family reached out to Peters after reading an article about the representative’s office recovering overdue metals for another veteran.

Peters’ office worked with the National Personnel Records Center and the Department of the Army, which awarded Thorpe the Bronze Star.

The Bronze Star is the fourth highest decoration for individual valor in the U.S. military. It may be awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit or meritorious service in a combat zone.

“It’s wonderful that somebody recognized what had to be done, especially after reaching out to many others for help that couldn’t,” said Thorpe, who lives in San Diego’s Bay Park. “I’m really amazed Rep. Peters’ office was able to find this. I can’t believe it.”

Photo: Congressman Scott Peters pictured with U.S. Army veteran Cpl. Jack Thorpe / Credit: Congressman Scott Peters' office