Certificates of Heroism were presented Thursday night to three deceased area residents, recognized by American Legion Post 343. They are:
*Cpl. Albert P. Gettings of New Castle. A squad leader of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Fox Company, he died Jan. 5 in Fallujah, Iraq, after being hit by a sniper's bullet. Gettings was the first Lawrence County serviceman killed in action in Iraq and the first man of his unit to die. The award was received by his parents, David and Julie Gettings.
*Lt. Col. Michael E. McLaughlin of Mercer County. The Pennsylvania Army National Guard member died Jan. 5, in Ramadi, Iraq, the victim of a suicide bomber. He was the first official of the Pennsylvania National Guard killed in action since World War II. The award was presented by Lt. Col. Gray Berrier to McLaughlin's family.
*Staff Sgt. Edward A. DeCarbo, a medic in the Army-Air Corps. On Jan. 29, 1943, he helped save the life of a B-24 pilot who had crashed at Patterson Field, now Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio. This award was accepted by his son, Donald DeCarbo.
The post, at 134 N. Jefferson St., has conducted an Annual Past Commanders Banquet since 1919, honoring not only past commanders but also those who distinguished themselves, according to post adjutant Dan Carney.
In addition to honoring 16 past commanders, the post also recognized members with 50 and 60 years of continuous membership.
Sixty-year members cited were William Brandon, John Chumra, Guy Christie, Frank Colucci, Mike Dukovich, Ralph Exposito, Merle Hildebrand, Ralph Audino, Jack Aubel, Charles McGrath, William Pfeiffer, Albert Pillifant, Harry Rosen, Charles Shepp, Hubert Wilson, Ralph Markley.
Fifty-year members recognized were Charles Joseph and Thomas Tommello.
