68 Years Later ... Manchester Vet's Memory Decorated By Congress

MANCHESTER, CT — A Manchester resident who served in two wars was given the medals he won on Thursday in a Congressional ceremony 68 years after he gave the last full measure of devotion.

U.S. Reps. Joseph Courtney, a member of the Armed Services Committee and John Larson, whose district hosts Manchester, joined forces to present medals and badges to the family of the late Howard C. Flavell, Jr., for his service in World War II and in the Korean War. They researched Flavell's service record and initiated the medal process.

The ceremony was at the Manchester Senior Center.

Flavell entered the U.S. Army in July of 1944. Upon completion of his enlistment in August 1946 at the rank of sergeant, he joined the Connecticut National Guard.

He later went back into active service in January 1948. At the start of the Korean War, Flavell was assigned to Heavy Tank Company 7th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was killed in Action in March 1951.

The following medals were presented to the family:

• Silver Star Medal
• Bronze Star Medal
• Purple Heart Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal, with two Bronze Loops
• United Nations Service Medal
• Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, with Bronze Service Star
• World War II Victory Medal
• Army Occupation Medal, with Japan Clasp
• Korean Service Medal, with two Bronze Stars
• National Defense Service Medal
• Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (foreign award)
• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII
• Marksman Badge, with Carbine Bar

Family members said it was "overwhelming to see so many medals."

Said Larson, "Anytime we can pause and honor the Greatest Generation, we should."

Courtney called Flavell's life, "an incredible story of service that now has a permanent reminder."He also said in his dealings with the Korean embassy he has learned, "the Korean people havenot forgotten what people like Howard did."

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