BENTON HARBOR (WKZO)– Congressman Fred Upton has given two women the medals their brother won in Viet Nam this weekend. It was a surprise as part of this year’s “Lest We Forget” Tribute to Vietnam Veterans in Benton Harbor.
Upton presented service medals to the sisters of 2nd Lt. Jay Barklow Martine, who was killed in action July 18, 1967, in Vietnam.
“It is an absolute honor to be able to present these medals to the sisters of Jay Martine, who so courageously fought for our country and lost his life in the effort,” Upton said. “We must always take time to remember our brave veterans and service members – and especially their families – who have given so much in support of our great nation and to say ‘Thank you.’”
Muriel Martine and Marci Rendell, both of Coloma, were presented several medals that had been lost in a house fire several years ago.
Their brother, a Buchanan resident, was the first from the area to die while serving in Vietnam. He received full military honors at his burial.
