KPAX: MT veteran to receive Distinguished Service Cross
A Montana veteran will finally receive the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during World War II. Capt. John “Stan” Milesnick will receive the medal during a ceremony in Belgrade on Thursday. His grandson told Senator Jon Tester his grandfather received a citation for the medal decades ago, but never actually received it.
“Capt. Milesnick earned this medal–and the recognition that comes with it–years ago,” said Tester, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “His courage under fire during World War II is something this nation will always be grateful for, and with this long overdue medal, I’m honored to be able to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of all Americans.”
Milesnick earned the Distinguished Service Cross as a member of the U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry Division. He was wounded in battle as he led his outgunned men against German tanks and infantry troops in December of 1944.
Milesnick will be joined by his extended family for Thursday’s medal ceremony. Also attending will be Brig. Gen. Ken Switzer from the Montana National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters and Brig. Gen. John Walsh, the Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard.
“It’s an honor to be a part of this special ceremony to honor a fellow Montanan and a true American hero,” Walsh said. “Senator Tester and I look forward to any opportunity to honor the bravery and sacrifice of people like Capt. Milesnick, and I hope this event demonstrates that this nation always remembers the heroism of its troops.”
