RICHARD H. MONROE, WORLD WAR II VETERAN, HONORED FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE NATION
October 17, 2015
BOLIVAR – U.S. Army Private First Class Richard H. Monroe was honored today for his service in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War.
During a ceremony at the Kenyon Andrus American Legion Post 772 in Bolivar, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) presented PFC Monroe with the New York State Medal for Merit, the U.S. Army’s World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Bar, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, and the Army Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar in recognition of his outstanding record of military service.
Senator Young and Mr. Monroe were joined at the ceremony by local officials, representatives of the U.S. Army, family and friends.
“Private First Class Richard Monroe volunteered for service at a time of great uncertainty for our nation and the world. He answered the call of his country, traveling across the Pacific to defend the freedoms we hold dear, including the role of justice and the law,” said Senator Young.
PFC Monroe served with the U.S. Army from September 1946 to January 1948. During his time on active duty, PFC Monroe was a member of the 800th Military Police Battalion in Kobe, Japan. The battalion was tasked with the dual responsibility of being part of the Army’s occupation forces while also acting as a military police presence to protect both the military forces and civilians.
After PFC Monroe departed the Pacific Theater, he used his G.I. Bill benefits to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology where he earned a bachelor’s of fine arts. A distinguished artist, Mr. Monroe worked as an architectural designer for the Olean Tile Plant and his mosaics have been displayed around the world. He is also a prominent painter, having won numerous awards for his works. Among his paintings is a collection that features the likenesses of 28 local service members who were killed or died while on active duty, including Corporal Jason Dunham of Scio. A painting by PFC Monroe now hangs aboard the U.S.S. Jason Dunham.
PFC Richard Monroe and his wife Dixie live in Bolivar. He is a proud step-father of four and step-grandfather.
“We owe veterans like Private First Class Monroe a profound debt of gratitude, especially in recognition that they volunteered in the defense of their nation during World War II. It was a privilege to take part in this ceremony to pay tribute to PFC Monroe’s courage and dedication. We deeply appreciate his service to our country and continued effort to promote and honor the lives of his fellow veterans,” said Senator Young.