A standing ovation that was nearly 70 years in the making finally came Friday morning in Stamford in celebration of a member of America’s Greatest Generation.
At the age of 92, John Geas finally received the medals he earned during his military service. He retired from the US Marines in the 1940s and his medals for his bravery in four different conflicts were somehow misplaced for decades.
“All my comrades had their medals and I said, ‘I wish I had mine,’” Geas said.
The office of Senator Richard Blumenthal helped to get Geas’ medals and presented them to him during a ceremony on Friday morning in Stamford.
“The city is proud to join in honoring John Geas in recognition of his brave and dedicated service the armed forces in defense of freedom around the world,” Stamford Mayor David R. Martin said.
“His heroism and dedication to country are a model for my generation and for my children. I was so excited, knowing John, to learn that I could help get some recognition for him, for the contribution that he made to keep our country free,” Senator Blumenthal said.
Geas said he was ecstatic about finally receiving his awards and kept everyone in attendance smiling on a day he’d waited for for decades.
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“If I knew it was going to be like this, I would’ve reenlisted” he said.
