James L. Dunaway of Jasper, recently received the Bronze Star Medal for his service to our country during WWII. Mr. Dunaway, of the 397th Infantry, United States Army, served in Ardennes Rhineland. He had received a Purple Heart, Oak Leaf Cluster, Driver and Mechanic Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge, during his time of service. He was honorably discharged on November 19, 1945 as he had sustained many injuries.



Mr. Dunaway was an educator and past Superintendent of Schools in Hamilton County and with his wife, Frances raised their three children, Mike, Fran Chewning, and Rosemary McLeod, in Jasper. They now have eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren who are all very proud of their family’s hero.



In 1947, the Bronze Star was authorized for all those who earned the Combat Infantry Badge or the Combat Medical Badge, according to Army Regulation 600-8-22 Chapter 3, paragraph 3-13, Military Awards. The medal was designed to honor the infantryman and the medics who endured the greatest hardships on the front lines.



Officials from the National Personnel Records Center say that they don’t know how many veterans are eligible or how many have not received the award. Many may be eligible for this medal, but due to a massive fire in 1973, most of the Army records from the period of Nov. 1, 1912 to Jan. 1, 1960 were destroyed. Additionally, Air Force personnel records alphabetically listed after Hubbard, James E., suffered an estimated 75 percent loss.



After reading a press release from the Citrus County Veterans Association about this award, Mr. Dunaway’s daughter, Fran contacted the National Personnel Records Center, requested a form, (Request Pertaining To Military Records) attached a copy of his Report of Separation and Discharge papers and sent in the form. Due to the fact that the Records Center has no records to verify, it is important to have a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers including any medals they may have received.



The process takes time so be prepared to wait about six months for the award after sending in your request. It is very important to honor our veterans and make sure that they are awarded the medals they have earned. If you know of someone that may qualify, help him or her so that they can receive the award they earned. It will help the National Personnel Records Center rebuild their records.