SHAHEEN PRESENTS MANCHESTER WORLD WAR II VETERAN WITH MEDALS FOR SERVICE

(Manchester, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today presented World War II veteran John Soha of Manchester with medals for his military service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Manchester.  Soha was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia clasp, Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and the Discharge button.  Soha’s son-in-law, Russ Thibeault, contacted Shaheen’s office to seek assistance in obtaining the medals, which Soha had never received. 

“Though it’s been nearly 70 years since John Soha served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, our country’s debt to him has not been forgotten,” Shaheen said. “Today, John receives the full honor and recognition he has earned, and it’s my privilege to present him with these medals for his service.  On behalf of all the people of New Hampshire, I thank John for his selfless service to our nation.

Soha served as a Specialist Second Class in the Navy from 1943 to 1946.  As an engineer stationed in Hawaii, he helped produce relief maps, including those used for U.S. military operations in Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal.  Soha was also among the first service members to enter Tokyo after the Japanese surrendered and assisted with the post-war reconstruction effort there.  He has worked as a volunteer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center pharmacy in Manchester since 2002.