CONGRESS AUTHORIZES MEDAL FOR SURVIVORS OF PEARL HARBOR

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Congress has authorized a new medal which will honor Pearl Harbor survivors during 1991 - the 50th anniversary year of the battle.

Jim McLain, a member of Missouri Chapter 3 of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, is trying to get the word out to area survivors as well as widows or other relatives of servicemen who served at Pearl Harbor. Individuals must apply for the commemorative medal to receive it, he explained.

The application process appears quite simple, said McLain. Persons should call a toll free number, 1-800-545-4052, and request DD Form 2567. The form should then be filled out and returned to the government.

The current plans are to award the commemorative medal in December.

Nationwide, McLain said there are some 13,800 members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Due to the great number of medals which will be awarded, McLain encourages area servicemen to apply as soon as possible.

McLain said he has already requested forms for the 25 members of the local Pearl Harbor Survivors chapter. But he feels there are a number of other Pearl Harbor survivors or relatives of servicemen killed in the battle who might not be aware of the new medal.

The medal design has not yet been approved, and submissions will be accepted through March 15. Circular designs (both front and back) can be submitted to Lee Goldfarb, national vice-president of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, 18 Bunker Road, East Hanover, N.J. 07936.

McLain feels the medal will be something all Pearl Harbor survivors "will be proud of." He explained, "It's history. We'll never forget this date as long as we live."

Individuals with questions about the medal or application process can contact McLain at 335-0993.

President George Bush will lead the 50th anniversary celebration at Pearl Harbor this Dec. 7, said McLain. A number of other activities are being planned throughout the year, leading up to the anniversary, including a three-day ceremony in Austin, Texas in May.