For Immediate Release - Friday, June 15, 2011

Contact: Maura Saavedra Cordova, 602-252-2653

Phoenix Korean War veteran receiving military medals after 58-year wait

Medal presentation Friday at 3 p.m. at ASU Cronkite School

WASHINGTON — Phoenix resident Raymond O. Savedra, 82, an Army veteran who was drafted at 22 and fought in the Korean War, will finally receive his long-deserved military medals Friday at a presentation by the Office of Congressman Ed Pastor.

Savedra, who was born in Goodyear, served in the Army for two years and in the Army Reserve for five years. He will be presented with the following medals:re

• Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars

• Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award

• Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp

• National Defense Service Medal

• United Nations Service Medal

The presentation will be held at Friday, June 17, at 3 p.m. in the First Amendment Forum on the Second Floor of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, 555 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.

Savedra was deployed to Korea as a member of the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. He said he didn't like to talk about his time in Korea, but he should have received the medals after he left the service.

"I was just ready to give up," Savedra said.

However, a friend suggested he contact Congressman Pastor's office, and the staff was able to contact the National Personnel Records Center and obtain the medals for Mr. Savedra.

"Mr. Savedra demonstrated his bravery and his love of country in his military service," said U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz. "I am pleased my office was able to play a role in assisting him in the process of securing his medals, and we owe him our gratitude for his service to our country."

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