Terry Vangen, a deceased WWII and Korean War veteran and Minnesota native, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and escaped from a prison camp; last December, Vangen’s medals were stolen from family cabin on Swan Lake in Pengilly  

Klobuchar’s office worked with the Department of the Army to secure four replacement service medals, including a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and Korean Service Medal

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that her office successfully secured replacement military medals for the family of Terry Vangen, a deceased WWII veteran and Minnesota native. Vangen fought in the Battle of the Bulge and also served in the Korean War before retiring as an Army colonel. Last December, Vangen’s son reported his father’s medals stolen from their family cabin on Swan Lake in Pengilly.

“Throughout our history, veterans like Colonel Vangen have had a profound and enduring impact on our country and we owe them for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Klobuchar said. “It’s a tragedy that the medals were stolen, and I am hopeful that the criminals are brought to justice. I’m proud to have played a part in securing these replacement medals, which stand as a testament to his lasting legacy of service, for Colonel Vangen’s family. In these jobs, we can do big things that help a lot of people. We can also do smaller things that have a big impact on a few people. And sometimes it’s those smaller things that really touch our hearts.”

Klobuchar’s office worked with the Department of the Army and the National Personnel Records Center to secure the four replacement service medals, which included a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and Korean Service Medal.

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