Langevin Presents WWII Veteran With Long-Delayed Service Medals

WARWICK, RI —WWII veteran Russell J. Johnson, 98, a Third Class Aviation Electronics Technician in the US Navy in the 1940s, didn’t receive his medals and awards before retiring from the service, but Congressman Jim Langevin invited him to his Centerville Road office Tuesday to fix that.

After his service, Johnson married Dorothea Champagne and had five children. He is now a grandfather of ten and has six great grandchildren.

Johnson’s family contacted Langevin to ask his help issuing the service medals and awards. After contacting the National Personnel Records Center,  Langevin had them issued and delivered to Johnson. On Tuesday at 2 p.m., Langevin officially presented the awards:  the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Honorable Discharge Button, and Honorable Service Lapel Pin, to the Navy vet.

“It was an honor to receive these medals for my service during World War II, and I want to thank Congressman Langevin and his staff for helping my family and I retrieve them,” said Johnson. “These medals signify my love for this country, and I am glad I am finally able to take them home with me.”

“I consider it one of my highest honors to assist our veterans who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we hold most dear,” said Congressman Langevin. “It is a privilege to present these medals and awards to Mr. Johnson for his service during World War II. Mr. Johnson’s commitment to his country deserves proper recognition, and I am pleased that these decorations will serve as a reminder of his heroism.”