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MICHIGAN VA HOSPITAL TO BE RENAMED AFTER MEDAL

OF HONOR WINNER -- The U.S. House approved legislation

to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs facility

in Iron Mountain after Oscar G. Johnson.

 

Oscar G. Johnson

 

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UP hospital may be renamed after Medal of Honor winner

By TODD SPANGLER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

WASHINGTON – A veterans hospital on the Upper Peninsula may be renamed for a Michigan man who won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in World War II.

The U.S. House approved legislation Monday to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Iron Mountain after Oscar G. Johnson, a Dickinson County native who died in 1998 at the age of 77.

Congressman Bart Stupak, a Menominee Democrat, wrote the measure, which was sponsored by the entire Michigan delegation in Congress.

Johnson received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded in the U.S., for his actions in Sept. 1944 in Italy.

According to a release put out by Stupak’s office, Johnson defended his unit’s flank during combat near Scarperia, Italy, repelling several German infantry companies.

He also covered two wounded soldiers with rifle fire until they could be carried away by medical personnel.

“After his heroic service abroad, he returned to Michigan to serve 30 years with the Michigan National Guard and then retired to Dickinson County where he was a beloved member of the community,” said Stupak.

The legislation now goes to the Senate for approval.

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Larry Scott  --