Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles) presented United States Army World War II veteran David Hartman with several awards in recognition of his military service and accomplishments.
Dr. Roger Hartman, David Hartman’s son and a constituent of California’s 33rd Congressional District, recently discovered his father did not have the relevant medals that were due to him for his combat service in WWII. When he contacted the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to request his father’s records, he was told they had burned in a fire back in 1973. After several unsuccessful attempts at seeking assistance, he contacted the office of Congressman Ted Lieu and a congressional inquiry was initiated.
“I heard about Mr. Hartman’s situation and sent an inquiry directly to the U.S. Army”, said Congressman Lieu. “The Army investigated and was able to send over all of Mr. Hartman’s awards, including the Bronze Star. America is the exceptional country it is today because of the courage of people like Mr. Hartman during our last World War. I am thankful for his service, dedication, and contributions to our nation.”
David Hartman enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and was stationed in Miami Beach, FL; Chanute Field, IL; and Fort Dix, NY prior to being sent to the United Kingdom. In 1944, he was sent to infantry rifleman training and was assigned to Company B of the 9th Armored Infantry Division, where he saw combat. Altogether, he served a total of 26 months overseas and received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Private First Class from Company B, 13th Infantry, Army of the United States, in 1945 at Fort Dix.
Congressman Lieu presented David Hartman with the United States Army’s Certificate of Military Service, the Combat Infantry Badge 1st award, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal.
