Congressman Bentz to Present Service Medals to Navy Veteran in Hermiston

Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) will present veteran Robert Keys Jr. with three medals highlighting his service and sacrifice to our nation on Friday, April 5th, in Hermiston, Oregon.

Mr. Robert Keys Jr. served 6 years in the United States Navy and received the rank of Lieutenant (O-3) during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He was attached to a Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron that participated in the crisis.

When: Friday, April 5, 2024 @ 9am

Where: Stafford Hansell Building, 915 SE Columbia Dr.

Below are the medals Congressman Bentz will present to Mr. Keys:

Navy Expeditionary Medal

This medal was authorized in August 1936, Navy Department General Order (N.D.G.O.) No. 84

The Navy Expeditionary Medal Eligibility is awarded to U.S. Navy service members who have actually landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition, or operated under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition, and for which no service or campaign medal was awarded.

National Defense Service Medal

This medal was authorized by Executive Order 10448, April 22, 1953, and amended by Executive Order 11256, Jan. 11, 1966.

It is awarded for honorable active military service as a member of the armed forces of the United States including the Coast Guard, during periods of conflict. Mr. Keys received his because of his service in the early 60’s during the Vietnam War timeframe.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

This medal was established on Dec. 4, 1961, to be awarded to members of the United States armed forces who, after July 1, 1958, have participated in a United States military operation and encountered foreign armed opposition, or were in danger of hostile action by foreign armed forces.