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This Army veteran served on D-Day. 75 years later, this is how he was recognized

Island Packet - 2/10/2018

Feb. 10--More than 75 years after leaving the Army, Ronald Quadt of Bluffton finally received the medals that he earned for his bravery during World War II.

Quadt, who is 93 years old, received a Bronze Star Medal, the European -- African -- Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation during World War II Medal and the World War II Victory Medal during a ceremony at the Belfair Golf Club on Friday evening.

According to Michael Maddaloni, a friend of Quadt's and a veteran, said that after World War II, there were so many young men coming home who and earned these medals that most of them never physically received them.

The medals were presented to him by Congressman Mark Sanford, who praised Quadt's bravery during the war, but most of all his humility.

"A hero who insists he was just doing his job, Corporal Ronald Quadt is a reminder to all of us of just how great the Greatest Generation is. His patriotic service was marked by a sense of humility and humanity, which is a humbling reminder of the courage, strength, and perseverance of those Americans who served during World War II," Sanford said.

Quadt was drafted into the Army when he was 18 years old and served for two and a half years.

He fought on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day, he led a tank company, met General George S. Patton and nearly single-handed captured a group of German soldiers near the end of the war.

He previously received National Order of the Legion of Honour from the French government, which is the highest French honor for military and civil merits.

The only award that he earned but has yet to physically receive is his Purple Heart.

During his time in service, Quadt stepped on a foot mine and was in the hospital for 99 days.

He was released after 99 days because if he stayed in the hospital for 100 days the Army would have to send him home.

"We are still working on getting that medal for him, but it's a lot of paperwork," his daughter Debbie Yasenka, said. "Hopefully we will be able to get that one soon."

Delayna Earley: 843-706-8151

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