WWII vet receives medals, awards from time in service

Posted 9/3/14

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse last week presented medals and awards to World War II Navy veteran Raymond J. Mahon at Saint Elizabeth Court assisted living residence in Providence before Mahon’s …

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WWII vet receives medals, awards from time in service

Posted

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse last week presented medals and awards to World War II Navy veteran Raymond J. Mahon at Saint Elizabeth Court assisted living residence in Providence before Mahon’s family and friends.

Mahon, a long-time Cranston resident, served aboard the USS Ancon during World War II, earning a number of military honors that he never received. Whitehouse helped Mahon and his family to navigate the process of procuring the medals.

“World War II veterans answered their country’s call to join one of the most difficult conflicts in history. Their sacrifice and resolve earned them their rightful reputation as our Greatest Generation,” Whitehouse said. “I am honored to recognize Mr. Mahon’s service, and I congratulate him and the entire Mahon family on these overdue honors.”

During the ceremony, Mahon received honors that include the Navy Good Conduct Medal; World War II Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Star devices (signifying his three campaigns); Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Reserve Discharge Button; and WWII Honorable Service Lapel Pin.

Mahon enlisted in the Navy on June 1, 1942, at the age of 20. He completed his basic training at the Newport Naval Base before reporting for duty aboard the USS Ancon, the Navy’s first-ever communication command ship.

As a crewmember of the Ancon, Mahon took part in three invasions: North Africa, Sicily and Salerno. He first sailed to Casablanca with Gen. George Patton to engage in the British-American mission to retake French North Africa in November 1942.

Later, Mahon joined in the invasion of the Italian island of Sicily in July 1943, where American forces toppled Dictator Benito Mussolini and opened the way for the Allied advance through Italy.

In Sept. 1943, Mahon took part in the assault on Salerno, Italy, as the Ancon transported Gen. Dwight Eisenhower to oversee the battle.

Mahon remained in the European theater through the end of the War, serving in Britain and France, before returning home in 1945 with three battle stars – one for each of his invasions.

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