Overdue accolade

AMERICUS, Ga. — The surprise was evident on Ralph Lamb’s face Friday when he walked into the Storm Dome at Georgia Southwestern State University for “The Ride Home,” an annual event celebrating National POW/MIA Recognition Day. There to greet Lamb were his son, Ralph “Buddy,” and his granddaughter, Debbie Marshall. That was just the beginning of the surprises in store for Lamb, who served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945, having been captured by German forces in December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, perhaps one of the most documented fights in the European Theatre.

Little did Lamb know he would be asked to take center stage for a long-overdue medal presentation for the 95-year-old former Prisoner of War (POW). Kathy “Kat” McLaughlin had learned in the past few months Lamb had never been presented with his POW Service Medal. McLaughlin quickly went to work to remedy  the situation. McLaughlin, an officer with the Florida chapter of “The Ride Home,” reached out to Congressman Ted Yoho’s office, explaining Lamb’s situation in detail to members of the first-term representative’s office. They went to work just as quickly, making sure Lamb wouldn’t be denied his medal. The process went smoothly, and the congressman had a member of his office personally deliver the medal to McLaughlin the day of the event.

So with the evening’s festivities well underway, McLaughlin took the stage to share Lamb’s story about his capture during the Battle of the Bulge. That’s when she also shared that the World War II veteran had yet to receive his POW Service Medal, but the 69-year, 4-month and 13-day wait was about to end for Lamb. According to records shared with Congressman Yoho’s office, a spokeswoman said Lamb is the oldest surviving POW to be awarded his medal. As Lamb was escorted to the stage, the thunderous applause from the more than 200 in attendance shook the rafters above. Lamb showed he still has plenty of spunk. “Now, there’s no cotton pickin’ way I’m the oldest,” he told the crowd, who responded with laughter and applause, as his medal was pinned on his jacket.

Lamb said he hopes he’s able to attend at least five more of “The Ride Home” events. “I think it would be enjoyable to celebrate the big 1-0-0 here,” he said, holding his hand up to show the number five. “If the good Lord allows me, I plan on being here.” Following the medal presentation, Lamb was given an American flag on behalf of Congressman Yoho as well as a proclamation, thanking the former veteran for his service during World War II.

Lamb was taken aback by the attention. “I’m very surprised, very surprised,” said Lamb, also a Purple Heart recipient. “I’m surprised (my son and granddaughter) were here, too.” It was a moment his granddaughter hadn’t planned on missing when McLaughlin shared the details about the presentation. Marshall said it’s only been in the past five to six years she’s learned more about her grandfather’s service in the Army, his days in World War II as well as a journal he started when he was captured in Belgium. “I was stunned when they said he’d never got his medal,” she said, noting it was in the past 10 years he’d been presented with his Purple Heart.

“He’s always been a very humble person; never one to talk about himself or his accolades. “It’s really difficult to put into words what it means to be here, to be a part of this moment. It just tugs a little harder on your heartstrings.” State Rep. Jimmie T. Smith, the vice chairman for the veterans and military affairs subcommittee, praised the long overdue recognition of Lamb. “Recently, I learned about Mr. Lamb, a WWII veteran who has finally received the honor he is due,” Smith, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, wrote. “As a prisoner, your life is in the hands of the enemy and there will never be enough recognition. “It is sad that it should take so long, but as a veteran myself it is a great feeling to see Mr. Lamb finally receive his reward. Thank you to Mr. Lamb and all those who never got their proper recognition.”

Greg Rawson, from Congressman Yoho's office, presents Mr. Lamb with an American flag on behalf of Congressman Yoho.