Everett, P.A. to Honor Two Brave Men with a Bronze Monument

The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s highest and most prestigious military decoration and is awarded to U.S. military service members only. The award is in recognition and gratitude for those who distinguished themselves by acts of valor at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty. It is normally presented by the President of the United States in the name of the U.S. Congress at a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C. This special ceremony is intended to represent the gratitude of the American people.

The Medal of Honor is the oldest continuously issued combat decoration of the United States armed forces. It dates back to the American Civil War.  Approximately half of the more than 3,500 medals issued to date have been awarded for actions in the Civil War.

The small town of Everett, a borough in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, is working towards honoring two Medal of Honor recipients with a bronze monument. Both men attended the same high school in Everett, although several years apart.

These two men, that called this county their home, went on to distinguish themselves with acts of selfless bravery resulting in their death. Both received their medal posthumously.

About the Monument

Wayne Hyde has completed the clay version of the maquette statue depicting Ellis R. Weicht and Robert W. Hartsock.

Ellis R. Weicht, WWII, serving as a Sergeant in Company F, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division was killed in action on December 3rd, 1944, after a brutal battle in eastern France. For his actions during the battle, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor seven months later, on July 19, 1945.

Robert W. Hartsock, Vietnam War, serving as a Staff Sergeant in the 44th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog (IPSD), 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, was killed in action on February 23rd, 1969, at the Dau Tieng Base Camp in Vietnam. For his actions during the brutal fire fight, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on August 6th 1970.

Two brave and honorable men will be remembered for perpetuity via a beautiful and thought provoking bronze monument which will stand proudly in Everett, Pennsylvania.

 

 

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