Many veterans are unsung heroes

To the editor:

It weighs heavy on my heart to not know if my uncle, Sgt. Marine Corp. Byron Peterson, ever received any medals for combat during World War II in the islands off Japan. Most of this combat was hand-to-hand with bayonet, I was told by my mother, who was his sister. He not only completed his first tour, contracting malaria, but also re-enlisted for a second tour in a similar location. He once again contracted malaria in second tour of duty.

He and his family lived in California so don't know all the details. The Japanese fighters knew jujitsu so American soldiers had to learn quickly some of these skills of combat in order to survive.

My mother and her family were very proud of his two enlistments. He fearlessly returned to face the enemy again. He felt it was his duty.

I'm sure he received the Purple Heart because he was wounded more than once and contracted malaria twice.

Americans should keep in mind the sacrifices of our military that so oftentimes goes unnoted. It is because of these brave men that we continue to know what real freedom is. Many are unsung heroes.

Sandy Eccles

Cedar Rapids