A Green Bay man who served his country in “The War to End All Wars” has finally received the medals he earned.
Navy man Joe Mertens was honored this week by Representative Mike Gallagher, who presented Mertens with his Asiatic Pacific Combat Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, his Honorable Discharge Button, and an Honorable Service Lapel Pin.
Mertens signed up to join the Navy in 1943 before he had even turned 18.
He spent WWII stationed at Naval bases in Gamadodo and Gili Gili before returning home.
Service to the country runs in the family as well, with Joe’s son Tom having fought in Vietnam and his grandson Greg being a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
