Providence, RI – Today U.S. Senator Sheldon presented medals and awards to World War II Navy veteran Raymond J. Mahon at Saint Elizabeth Court assisted living residence in Providence before Mahon’s family and friends.
Mahon, a long-time Cranston resident, served aboard the USS Ancon during World War II, earning a number of military honors that he never received. Whitehouse helped Mahon and his family to navigate the process of procuring the medals.
“World War II veterans answered their country’s call to join one of the most difficult conflicts in history. Their sacrifice and resolve earned them their rightful reputation as our Greatest Generation,” said Whitehouse. “I am honored to recognize Mr. Mahon’s service, and I congratulate him and the entire Mahon family on these overdue honors.”
During today’s ceremony, Mahon received honors that include:
- The Navy Good Conduct Medal;
- The World War II Victory Medal;
- The American Campaign Medal;
- The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Star devices (signifying his three campaigns);
- The Combat Action Ribbon;
- The Navy Reserve Discharge Button; and
- The WWII Honorable Service Lapel Pin.
Mr. Mahon enlisted in the Navy on June 1, 1942, at the age of twenty. He completed his basic training at the Newport Naval Base before reporting for duty aboard the USS Ancon, the Navy’s first ever communication command ship. As a crewmember of the Ancon, Mahon took part in three invasions: North Africa, Sicily, and Salerno. He first sailed to Casablanca with General George Patton to engage in the British-American mission to retake French North Africa in November 1942. Later, Ray joined in the invasion of the Italian island of Sicily in July 1943, where American forces toppled Dictator Benito Mussolini and opened the way for the Allied advance through Italy. In September 1943, Ray took part in the assault on Salerno, Italy, as the Ancon transported General Dwight Eisenhower to oversee the battle. Ray remained in the European theater through the end of the War, serving in Britain and France, before returning home in 1945 with three battle stars—one for each of his invasions.
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