Huge ovation as WWII veteran gets Bronze Star
“Mr. Hungerford,” Mulvaney said, formally addressing the 91-year-old veteran at the base of the grand staircase. A crowd of more than 50 Rotarians and guests looked on.
“Yes, sir,” Hungerford said.
When Mulvaney called his name, Hungerford, who walks with a slight stoop, straightened to his full height. His wife, Deanna, stood at his side.
“On behalf of a grateful nation and on behalf of the president of the
United States, I present you with the Bronze Star,” Mulvaney said, and
the two shook hands.The Lancaster Rotary Club and its guests stood and applauded for at least a minute.
“I’m very grateful for having been able to serve our country. It’s meant a great deal to me,” Hungerford told the assembly, choking back emotion. “I thank all of y’all for being here.”
Mulvaney had respectfully offered to walk to Hungerford’s table to present the medal to him. But Hungerford, who uses a cane, insisted on walking up to stand next to the congressman.
“It is important,” Mulvaney said, “that we celebrate the contributions in our community from this Greatest Generation. Sadly, there aren’t many of them left.”
Mulvaney called such presentations his favorite part of being a U.S. representative.
“It’s important for kids to be able to read about this in the newspaper, to know who we are as a community,” he said.
Mulvaney told the audience that Hungerford had earned several awards and at least one, maybe two, purple hearts during his service.
“But the big one that was never awarded to him is the Bronze Star,” Mulvaney said prior to the presentation. “I will present that to him today.”
Hungerford’s wife, Deanna, had encouraged him to pursue the medal.
“He was supposed to have gotten it all those years ago and had never
gotten it or bothered with it, so I just told him it was important to
get it for family, so they could see him get due recognition,” she said.Hungerford was drafted into the army in 1944 at age 18. He served in the 63rd Infantry Division and was among the first troops to cross the Siegfried Line in Germany, where more than 140,000 Americans lost their lives in 1944-45.
Hungerford made it out alive, but barely. He sustained wounds on March 19, 1945, that left him disabled. He received treatment at a hospital in France and later in England, before being sent to Welch Convalescent Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida. He received his discharge on VJ Day, Aug. 15, 1945. Japan’s surrender ended World War II.
The Hungerfords thanked Mulvaney for his help and quick response in getting the medal awarded.
Hungerford and his wife have children from previous marriages. His first wife passed away just before their 37th wedding anniversary. He has been married to Deanna for 26 years.
Hungerford spends his days enjoying time with his wife and spending quiet days knocking out seven or eight crossword puzzles. He also has a dry sense of humor, delivering punch lines with perfect timing. His quick wit has not slowed down.
He introduced himself as Buddy and then “S.R. Hungerford III, as in Sam Robert, but that ain’t what it is,” he said, smiling.
When pushed for more, he said: “Simeon Rice, but nobody knows what my real name is, thank goodness.”
Hungerford spent his post-military days working in his family’s lumberyards and furniture factory. He later traveled the country selling the furniture.
“I attribute my health and sharpness to having a martini every night,” he said, laughing. “I know that doesn’t go over too good with the Baptists.”
As the Lancaster Rotary Club continued its program with special Christmas music, the couple sat looking at the medal together.
“I’m so proud of him,” Deanna Hungerford said.
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| Deanna Hungerford, left, stands beside her husband, Buddy Hungerford, as he accepts his Bronze Star from Rep. Mick Mulvaney Thursday at the Springs House. Hungerford served during World War II. |
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