Widow receives WW II medals
The tears grew in Betty Blackwell’s eyes when she saw her husband’s World War II medals for the first time.
“Y’all forgive me,” she said Monday as U.S. Rep. Tom Graves held the medals in his Rome office. “I’m proud of it. That’s something he earned. I’ll go to the cemetery and tell him.”
The medals’ presentation was a long time coming. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Hubert T. Blackwell was discharged in November 1945 after serving three years. Like many serviceman at the time, his priority lay at home. The medals he’d earned were never received. Blackwell’s son said they didn’t weigh heavily on his father’s mind.
“Everyone didn’t get all the medals they were awarded, and they didn’t care because they were home,” said Tom Blackwell, Betty and Hubert’s son. “That was Daddy.”
Hubert Blackwell died in 2006 at 85 without receiving his medals. His family decided to seek them in his honor and for posterity.
His wife requested them more than two years ago, but was told they’d been destroyed. Then a family friend contacted Graves’ office, and the wheels began to turn.
Graves sat in his office in the federal courthouse Monday, holding the medals as he explained each one. Betty Blackwell sat next to the Republican from Ranger, her family in chairs behind them.
“I know they’re a few days late, but they’re earned,” Graves said. “All of these he has earned with distinction.”
Blackwell received a World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and an Honorable Service Lapel Button — World War II. He also received a Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
It took time to get the medals, Tom Blackwell said. Old records were scoured, and Graves’ office secured them. The only missing medal is the lapel button, which has been ordered.
“How many lives did he impact?” Graves asked. “We’ll never know.”
Hubert Blackwell served as an airplane mechanic in the Pacific theater during World War II.