Quigley Presents Medals to World War II Veteran

WASHINGTON -- On June 29, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) presented several medals to World War II naval veteran Albert Kreitzer of Schiller Park, Illinois. Kreitzer had been waiting more than 20 years to be awarded the medals by the Department of the Navy and turned to Rep. Quigley's office for assistance. Kreitzer was presented with the World War II Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and Navy Occupation Service Medal for his courageous service to our country.

"It is a privilege for me to play a role in honoring an American hero," said Rep. Quigley. "After all Mr. Kreitzer has done for our country, I'm grateful that he now has the recognition he earned."

"We are very indebted to Representative Quigley and his wonderful staff for helping us deal in a timely fashion with the VA," said Phyllis Grzeskowiak, Kreitzer's daughter. "Their assistance in helping move my father's case along quickly is most appreciated."

Congressman Quigley (right) presented veteran Albert Kreitzer with several World War II medals for his courageous service.

With no action on his requests from the Department of the Navy for 20 years, Kreitzer and his daughter turned to their local representative in Congress, Mike Quigley. The congressman and his staff worked with the National Personnel Records Center to ensure Krietzer's case was handled promptly and properly.

Kreitzer worked as a naval officer in Saebo, Japan following the dropping of the atom bomb on nearby Nagasaki. Exposed to large amounts of ionized radiation, Kreitzer nearly lost both of his legs and has been in treatment for the past 30 years.

A high-resolution version of the above photo is available upon request.