Bronze Star Medal Posthumously Awarded to Yankton World War II Veteran

YANKTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today presented the Bronze Star Medal to Yankton resident Mrs. Lucille Mjoen on behalf of her late husband, World War II veteran Private First Class Gilbert Mjoen. The Bronze Star was awarded to Mjoen for meritorious achievement in active ground combat against the enemy on Dec. 19, 1944, in Holland, where he was wounded while serving with the 104th Infantry Division. He previously received the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal.

“It’s my honor to present the Bronze Star to Mrs. Mjoen on behalf of her husband, Gilbert,” said Rounds. “Like so many members of the Greatest Generation, Gilbert was called to serve our nation during World War II. He joined the Army in 1943 and fought in Holland, Belgium and Germany. We are forever grateful to Gilbert for the sacrifices he made to preserve freedom here in the United States and around the world. I wish that Gilbert could be here to accept the award today, surrounded by his family and friends.”

Mjoen was born on January 30, 1925, in Volin, SD. In 1943, after graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army’s 104th Infantry Division. He was a first gunner on the light machine gun squad and the 50-caliber machine gun. He fought in the European Theatre of Operations, specifically in Holland, Belgium and Germany.

Rounds’ office seeks to assist veterans and their families if a military award has been lost or is overdue. Please contact any of Rounds’ South Dakota offices for assistance. Contact information can be found here.

###