80 years later, family of late Missouri WWII veteran receive his service medals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The medals that one Missouri man earned for his military service made it home to his family, over fifty years after a fire destroyed his service records.

This week, Congressman Sam Graves presented military service medals to the family of the late Marvin William Speiser. Speiser served in the US Army Air Corps as an aerial gunner in 1943.

In 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis caused his military service records to be lost. Despite this, Congressman Graves was able to obtain several medals for Speiser’s service.

“I’m grateful for the service of North Missouri veterans,” said Graves. “As we celebrated Veteran’s Day this week, it was an honor to present these medals to Mr. Speiser’s family so they can always remember his service to our nation.”

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Congressman Graves presented multiple medals to the family:

• Air Medal & Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (Quadruple)
• WWII Victory Medal
• Good Conduct Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (Triple)
• Army Service Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon
• Marksman Badge & Pistol Bar
• Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII

Speiser’s daughter, Sheila Baker of Lathrop, and son, Beryl Speiser of Lawson, and several grandchildren and friends were presented the awards.

Veterans and their family members are encouraged to reach out to Graves’ office if they are trying to obtain service medals earned. Those with issues accessing Veterans Affairs benefits are also asked to reach out. Community members can contact the office of Congressman Graves at 816-792-3976.