Never Too Late: Father and Son Receive Long-Overdue Medals For Military Service

It might not be the kind of ceremony that the father and son who served the military had expected. However, it is still a celebration worth remembering. Recently, Stephen Besz received the medals for his and his father's military service. Besz's father might not have been there to witness the virtual ceremony, and the family is still filled with happiness.

Stephen Besz served the military as a radar operator during the Vietnam War, while his father, Steven Pees Jr, also served as a radar operator during World War II. Both Besz and his father have yet to receive their accolades for their service, until Tuesday, June 2.

WFMZ covered the ceremony. They interviewed Besz and the person who helped them to receive the medals finally.

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How did the father and son receive their medals?

Besz was very determined to find a way for him and his father to be recognized. He contacted the office of Congresswoman Susan Wild for help in tracking down the medals that the father and son were supposed to receive a long time ago.

Congresswoman Wild was able to do so and recently presented the medals to Besz and his family and friends in a virtual ceremony. Wild recognizes the importance of the service given by war veterans. She said, "It is very important to me that we properly recognize the veterans for their service and their sacrifice."

Besz was impressed with the speed of tracking down the medals, mainly because he expected to wait longer. He said, "I was surprised, it was very quick because my father's original name, his first name was different from his real name, and I thought it would take a while."

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What medals were awarded to the father and son?

Indeed, serving the country runs in the blood of the family. 

Besz's father, who served during the Second World War, received seven medals. These medals include the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. 

On the other hand, Besz received four medals for his service during the Vietnam War. These medals are the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service, and Vietnam Service.

The staff of Congresswoman Wild hand-delivered the medals to the home of Besz on Tuesday.

Besz believes that just like them, other families of war veterans who have not received their medals yet should find a way to obtain the accolades still. He said, "I encourage any of my friends that had parents that served to contact the Congressperson's office and go to the same process that I did."

Bezs was joined by friends from Vietnam and other areas through a video conference when he received the award. He said, "I'm just happy I am here today to share this moment with you."

Besz and his family are humbled to have received the accolades for their service finally.

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