MEDIA ADVISORY: 97-Year Old Arkansas Veteran to Receive Norwegian Defense Medal at State Capitol

For more information, contact: Mike Siegel, (202) 225-2506

Washington, DC, March 29, 2017

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Friday, March 31, 2017, in the Old Supreme Court Chamber at the State Capitol, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) —on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in will award 97-year old World War II veteran Jesse Whitley of Mabelvale, Arkansas with both the Norwegian Defense and the Norwegian Commemorative Medals for his service in Norway during 1945.

Mr. Whitley was part of the 474th Infantry that took part in the liberation of Norway. The Defense Medal is given to those with either military or civilian service that participated in the fight against the German Invasion and occupation of Norway between 1940 and 1945. The Commemorative Medal is given by the Norwegian Government to military and civilian personnel thanking them for contributions to Norway during World War II. The medal reads “NORGE TAKKER DEG FOR INNSATSEN (Thank you for your service).

The following event is open to the press:

Who: Jesse Whitley and Congressman French Hill

What: Medal Ceremony

When:  4:30 PM CT, Friday, March 31, 2017

Where:  Old Supreme Court Chamber, State Capitol, Little Rock, Arkansas

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