On Saturday, June 5, the Major General Patrick R. Cleburne UDC Chapter held a special bestowal ceremony to present UDC Military Service Awards. Carolyn Skinner, Chapter Recorder of Military Service Awards, and President Pat Killian were responsible for the event at the Anniston-Calhoun County Library in which 21 veterans were honored for their military service. Calhoun County Probate Judge Alice Martin sang the “Star Spangled Banner”.

A World War I Cross of Military Service was presented posthumously for Cleburne County native Henry Grady Durham who served in France and was in the Battle of Argonne. This World War I medal was accepted by his great grandson Jacob Durham. Posthumous Crosses were presented for Henry Durham’s two sons: Owis Durham, World War II Cross, accepted by grandson Tony Durham and Lowell Durham, Korean War Cross, accepted by his widow Mrs. Betty Durham. Grandson Darrell Durham received a Vietnam National Defense Medal. The Durhams are descendants of Bartlett Owen who served as Calhoun County Sheriff (before Cleburne County was created) during the 1861-1865 of the War Between the States and then served as a Cleburne County Probate Judge in the 1870’s and 1880’s.

Three members of the Rich family of Etowah County were present to accept awards presented by the Gen. Cleburne Chapter. A Cross was presented to Jack Rich who served during World War II. A Vietnam Cross was presented to his son Barry Rich and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal was presented to grandson Jason Rich who is still in the military but was able to attend the ceremony.

Cleburne County brothers Harvey Sanders and Lenard Sanders were present to receive medals. Harvey received the Korean Cross of Military Service and Lenard’s medal was for Armed Forces Expeditionary Service.

Joe Jones of Calhoun County received two Crosses of Military Service: Korean War Cross and Vietnam Conflict Cross. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jones was unable to attend and his medals were accepted by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Larry Lee who also was awarded a medal for his service during the Vietnam era.

Others who received Military Crosses and National Defense medals are Joe Jacks, Heflin, and Billy Gene Cofield, Randolph County, for their service during the Vietnam era.

Capt. Copeland Rowell, awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, was unable to attend because of being on military duty. He sent a letter of acceptance which was read during the ceremony, thanking the UDC for its work to honor those who serve in the military. His parents were present to accept his medal.

Several awards were accepted on behalf of relatives. Carol Sanders of Heflin accepted the Korean War Cross for Leelon Taylor. She also accepted posthumous World War II Cross for her brother James Benefield and Vietnam Conflict Cross for her brother Gerald Benefield. Posthumous World War II Cross for Grover Benefield was accepted by his daughter Joyce Whitley. Posthumous World War II Crosses for brothers Harold LuAllen and Herbert LuAllen were accepted by their brother Harvel LuAllen.

Following the ceremony, a reception was hosted by the Chapter.