Secretary of State George H. Ryan (far right) is joined by Russell E. Dunham of Jerseyville (left) and Harold A. Fritz of Peoria at a display honoring them and Illinois' five other living recipients of the Medal of Honor. The special exhibit, recently unveiled in the State Capitol, will be available for loan to various veterans' conventions and meetings.

"Honoring Illinois Heroes" Display Unveiled in State Capitol By GEORGE H. RYAN, SECRETARY OF STATE

In mid-January, I had the privilege of unveiling a display that can be a source of pride for all Illinoisans: an exhibit honoring the heroism of the state's seven living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

With U.S. troops in Bosnia today, it is particularly important to remember our military heroes. Of the seven Medal of Honor recipients profiled in the display, four served in World War II and three in the Vietnam War. These men come from all reaches of our state: Richard Earl Bush, Waukegan; Clyde L. Choate, Anna; Sammy L. Davis, Flat Rock; Russell E. Dunham, Jerseyville; Robert Hugo Dunlap, Monmouth; Harold A. Fritz, Peoria; and Allen James Lynch, Gurnee.

While these men hail from different parts of Illinois, they hold at least one thing in common: In each instance, a personal act of courage was demonstrated that was nothing short of extraordinary. These men exhibited bravery and gallantry on the field of battle that we can barely begin to comprehend, and because of their self-sacrifice and patriotic spirit they will be remembered forever in the annals of our nation's history.

The display, entitled "Honoring Illinois Heroes," is currently located just east of the Capitol Rotunda, near a memorial to Illinois prisoners of war. The intention, however, is to loan the display throughout the year for various veterans' conventions and meetings.

It is appropriate that the display should have its initial showing in the Capitol where so many citizens of Illinois come to visit. It is all the more significant because school children, who visit the State House in large numbers, can be reminded that there are real heroes who walk among us every day.

The Congressional Medal of Honor was created in 1861 during the Civil War. It is reserved to be bestowed on those serving in the armed forces whose conduct is noteworthy of "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty."

Since its creation 135 years ago, this high military honor has been awarded to 3,401 recipients — including one woman. In all, 199 of the Medal of Honor recipients have been from Illinois. Across the U.S. there are 184 living recipients.

Troops in Bosnia

Our nation has upwards of 20,000 troops deployed in Bosnia, and Illinois has a unit on standby. Our hope, of course, is for peace, but if Americans are called to defend the peace, heroism will not be in short supply.

On Dec. 22,1995, an Executive Order was signed by the Governor directing that any state employee who has been activated in this mission should not lose compensation or benefits because of his or her military service. Measures are also in place to ensure that health insurance and other benefits are preserved as well.

I applaud this effort and invite readers to consider something that they can do to support the troops: Write a letter. Just like during Operation Desert Storm, our military personnel need friendly letters from their fellow Americans to serve as encouragement and support. Please take a few minutes to write a note to express good wishes and voice support for their selfless military service. Send correspondence to:

The seven veterans profiled in the new exhibit on the Medal of Honor went into the horror of battle and put the lives of others and their duty to serve ahead of their personal safety. Hearing their incredible deeds should make each of us feel a little prouder to live in America — which is indeed the "home of the brave." •

February 1996 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 29