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2 WWII veterans presented with posthumous awards
From left, Tim French and his brother Vice Adm. Bill French, their wives Monica and Mary, NMI Superior Court Associate Judge David Wiseman, his wife Faythe, Chief Judge Tony Cotter (retired), wife Twill, and their children, Sarah and Berk. (Contributed Photo)
NMI Superior Court Associate Judge David Wiseman and his wife Faythe recently visited Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan’s office in Washington, D.C. to bestow posthumous awards to two men who served their country on Saipan and Tinian during World War II.
The certificates and medallions were posthumous awards made to 1st Lt. Russell Leroy French and to Maj. Berchmans Cotter, through their sons, Vice Admiral Bill French and his brother Capt. Tim French, (retired), and Chief Judge, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (retired), B. Tony Cotter, respectively. Accompanying them were family members.
These awards were made by Wiseman and done so in his capacity as chairman of the Armed Forces Committee of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, with the authorization of VFW Post 3457 on Saipan, which is the creator and originator of the awards.
The certificates and medallions were created by the Saipan VFW Post 3457 for the 60th commemoration of the Liberation of Saipan in 2004, sometimes known as The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot during World War II. They were given to the returning veterans, who, along with Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets (retired), pilot of the Enola Gay, graced the ceremony with their presence. Since that time they have been available from the VFW Post on Saipan on a case by case basis upon request.
The recipients of the awards, through their family members, were truly appreciative and the event fondly memorialized them. The VFW Post 3457 on Saipan is to be commended for this voluntary and thoughtful creation and policy in remembrance of the World War II soldiers who fought the battles on Saipan and Tinian.
Although this event was planned in coordination with Sablan, who did plan to be present, the congressman was called away at the last minute on official business. However he did provide the full use of his office and the full cooperation of his staff, who were very helpful, which contributed to making this event a successful and very pleasant ceremony. (PR)
