Area WWII veteran is honored for his service as a merchant marine
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: September 27, 2012
A New York Mills man thought he would never fight for our country. But, today the WWII veteran has been honored for his service.
84-year-old Harry Preston was presented with an American Flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol as well as a certificate from Congressman Richard Hanna.
He was a merchant marine working on vessels, ferrying fuel, troops and supplies. He says he thought his visual impairment would hinder him from serving.
"I had heard that they needed help so bad. This guy from the navy he came down through the line and saw my credentials and asked me if I've ever been on a ship. I said yes. That afternoon I was in the Hudson River on a ship waiting for a convoy waiting to go to Europe," said Mr. Preston.
Merchant marines were not recognized as official veterans until 1988.Mr. Preston's fellow veteran Carl Gus of Sauquoit initiated the recognition for him.
