BRIDGEPORT, CT – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today presented Purple Hearts and other service medals posthumously to the families of local veterans Frank Bassarab and Vincent Stabile. Himes presented the medals during the Connecticut Fallen Heroes Ceremony at Hall School in Bridgeport.
“I am grateful for Mr. Bassarab’s and Mr. Stabile’s service to our country and am pleased that my office was able to assist their families in finally securing the medals honoring their sacrifice,” said Himes.
Click here for photos of today’s event.
Background
Frank Bassarab
Himes presented a Purple Heart and other medals for Frank Bassarab to Wilma Stevens of Bridgeport, Mr. Bassarab’s sister, for his military service. Mrs. Stevens contacted the Congressman’s office requesting the military medals for her deceased brother, Frank Bassarab who passed away on January 5, 2009.
Mr. Bassarab was born in Neusstadt, Germany. A Bridgeport resident, he joined the US Army on June 27, 1968. PFC Bassarab was assigned as an Army RA Armor with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (HHT) 1st Squadron, 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) during the Vietnam War. Mr. Bassarab earned his medals during his tour of duty in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.
Mr. Bassarab’s medals include:
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal & Letter “V” Device
National Defense Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960)
Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar
Vietnam Service Medal
Vincent Stabile
Himes presented a Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, and other medals to Edward Stabile of Trumbull on behalf of his deceased brother Vincent Stabile, who was killed in action during WWII.
Vincent Stabile joined the U.S. Army in April 1940. He served with Company C, 13th Infantry Regiment and 8th Division during WWII. On July 13, realizing the difficulty in bringing up mortar support, Staff Sergeant Stabile exposed himself to enemy fire to assist in the advance of a mortar. Later, advancing under enemy fire into an open field, he rescued two seriously wounded comrades and administered first aid. His devotion to duty and unselfish regard for his personal safety earned him the Bronze Star Medal for heroic service. Staff Sergeant Stabile earned his medals during his tour of duty in WWII from 1940 to 1945.
Mr. Stabile was buried in Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, Margraten, Holland where over 8,000 American Soldiers are buried. The cemetery is also home to Memorial Wall displaying the names of over 1700 missing American Soldiers.
Mr. Stabile's medals include:
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf cluster
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
WWII Victory Medal
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