Quilts of Valor given to honor American heroes

Kenneth Baar, from Morganton, Georgia, and Bradenton, Florida, was presented a Quilt of Valor by members of the Misty Mountain Quilter’s Guild October 13. Baar served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Philippines and remained on active duty until 1946.

Quilt of Valor recipient William “Bill” Canady, from Morganton served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from March 13, 1970, through March 12, 1971, and completed his military service June 24, 1972. For his honorable service, Canaday was awarded the following awards and medals: the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal and Bill also has two Overseas Service Bars.

James “Don” Clifford, from Morganton, is shown with his Quilt of Valor from the Misty Mountain Quilters. The special quilts were presented in a ceremony October 13 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Clifford served in the U.S. Navy and was deployed to Vietnam. Don was discharged in October 1974. For his honorable service, Don was awarded several medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

James Joldersma, from Mineral Bluff, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970 in the Vietnam War. Joldersma was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct medal and a Marksman ribbon. He is shown with the Quilt of Valor he received from the Misty Mountain Quilters October 13.

Quilt of Valor quilters Linda Gorman, Lula Williams and Sue Young from the Misty Mountain Quilters’ Guild in Blairsville were honored to award six Quilts of Valor to local veterans who have been touched by war. Kenneth Lee, from Morganton, shown here, served in the U.S. Navy and was deployed to the Korean Conflict. Kenny was in the Navy from 1954 through 1958. For his honorable service, Lee was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal.