Shaheen Hosts Medal Ceremony to Posthumously Honor World War II Veterans

(Greenland, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, hosted a medal ceremony posthumously honoring World War II veterans Carlton Farrand and Ralph Noveletsky at Greenland Town Hall. Mr. Noveletsky was a Greenland resident and Mr. Farrand was a former Portsmouth Naval Shipyard worker. 

While serving in France, Mr. Farrand was hit by an enemy sniper’s bullet. Though he received medical treatment for his wound, he was never awarded with the Purple Heart. Following an inquiry made by his daughter, Senator Shaheen’s office successfully secured authorization from the U.S. Army to award the Purple Heart. 

Mr. Noveletsky was a veteran of the Burmese Campaign of the war and received numerous decorations during his service. However, these medals were lost over the years. After Mr. Noveletsky’s daughter contacted Senator Shaheen’s office for assistance to replace the medals, the Senator’s office worked with the National Personnel Records Center to successfully secure the new medals. 

At the ceremony, Shaheen was joined by General David J. Mikolaities, The Adjutant General, New Hampshire, their family members, and local and state officials. General Mikolaities presented the awards to the daughters of the two veterans.

“Carlton Farrand and Ralph Noveletsky are American heroes who epitomize the courage, devotion to duty, and great sacrifice that was shown by so many members of the Greatest Generation during the Second World War,” said Senator Shaheen. “It was a great honor to be able to posthumously honor these men and present their families with the medals they earned. It’s so important that our heroes receive the recognition that they deserve for their sacrifice and service.”