Press Release

Local WWII Vet Honored by The National WWII Museum

New Orleans Museum presents Richard Greer with the Silver Service Medallion on Guadalcanal

May 4, 2011 (New Orleans, LA) – Richard Greer volunteered for the Marine Corps on December 8, 1941, to defend America. He served with distinction in the Battle of Guadalcanal and later on New Britain, rising to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in Dog Company, 1st battalion, First Marines. On February 7, 2011, he was again honored for his service to our nation by The National WWII Museum, who presented him with their Silver Service medallion.

The presentation took place at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, as part of the Museum’s The War in the Pacific by Jet tour. The medallion was sent for engraving after the presentation and will arrive in Southern Pines, North Carolina this week.

“I was as surprised as anybody in the world that this came to me,” said Greer. “I am happy to receive it on behalf of all the other guys I served with. Some made it, some didn’t. And those who didn’t make it are the most important ones.”

The Silver Service Medallion is awarded to individuals who personify the courage, sacrifice, and optimism of the Greatest Generation, and whose service is represented and portrayed by The National World WWII Museum.

“Richard Greer represents the values of his generation and the sacrifice of his comrades,” said Museum President and CEO Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller. “In presenting this medallion, we also honor those who gave their lives in defense of our freedom and democracy in World War II—as well as those who lived to build America into the richest and freest nation in the world.”

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.