Kentucky family of World War II veteran participates in posthumous award ceremony

LEXINGTON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Sen. Rand Paul joined the family of a World War II veteran to honor his service to the nation.

The Bronze Star medal ceremony hosted by Paul highlighted the service of the late World War II veteran Cecil Steagall. His daughter, Pat Ginter, was there with the family to accept the awards, something Ginter said meant the world to her.

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“As the story is that he has told us, we could not find any record because the records were for that period of time. The building burned down, and they destroyed the records from 1921 to 73, so there’s very little we could find out,” Ginter said.

This is one example of why Paul’s office works to award these accolades to the families of the fallen. It’s a way to ensure that their service is never forgotten, and their recognition isn’t lost in time over the years.

“I asked them if they ever had the medals, and I think some of these they never got. Some of the veterans just never went back and spent all the time going through paperwork to get it. Our office sort of specializes in this, and we’ve helped a lot of veterans get their medals. Sometimes they lose them in a house fire, sometimes they’re stolen, sometimes they just never were applied for.

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You can see the appreciation of the family. I think they’re excited to get it, and it’s a way to remember them and their loved ones as well,” Paul said.

When it comes to posthumous awards, the true recipient doesn’t get to experience it, but the family has a good idea of what it would mean to the fallen hero.

“He would be very shy. He did not like to really be the center of attention, so he would have been very humble about it,” Ginter said.

Ginter said her father didn’t serve for recognition but to protect his nation. It’s why she and her family are proudly representing him through these awards.

“I’m just extremely grateful that we were able to get the help to do this. Senator Paul’s staff was excellent. They really helped me along with this because I had no idea what I was doing,” Ginter said.

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