Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins today presented Louis Roberge of Lewiston, a World War II veteran, with the Bronze Star and other medals he earned, but never received, during his service. The ceremony took place at the Alden M. Gayton Post 31 American Legion Hall in Auburn.
Senator Collins presented Mr. Roberge with the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Philippine Liberation Ribbon & Bronze Star Attachment, and Honorable Service Lapel Button, as well as a U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in his honor.
Although he earned these medals during his service, he never received them. Earlier this year, his family contacted Senator Collins’ office, which was able to help secure the medals on Mr. Roberge’s behalf.
“It is fitting that we gather on this hallowed day, the 70th anniversary of the Normandy invasion that began the liberation of Europe,” Senator Collins said at the ceremony. “At that same time, but on the other side of the world, Mr. Roberge and the 96th Infantry Division – the fabled ‘Deadeye Division’ –were preparing for the liberation of the Philippines and led the way at Leyte, the first step in that arduous campaign.”
“The Bronze Star and other medals you receive today are powerful symbols of your courage, devotion to duty, and sacrifice on behalf of our grateful nation,” she told Mr. Roberge.
Mr. Roberge served in the Cannon Company 381st Infantry Regiment of the 96th Division of the US Army. He attained the rank of Corporal prior to his discharge in January of 1946. Mr. Roberge and the “Deadeyes” in the 96th Division fought in the American campaign defending our territorial shores, as well as in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign. He took part in the Southern Philippines campaign to liberate that nation and the Ryukyus campaign which was, according to the U.S. Army, “the largest and most violent armed conflict in the history of mankind” and included “Operation Iceberg,” which was the invasion of Okinawa, the largest island in the Ryukyu Islands.
Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Mr. Roberge has lived most of his life in Lewiston and Auburn. He and his wife, Juliette, have three children, Robert, Roger, and Claudette, who attended the medal ceremony. Colonel Jack Mosher, Chief of Staff of the Maine Army National Guard, was also in attendance.
Mr. Roberge will turn 94 years old later this month.