By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

VACHERIE – Gov. Bobby Jindal paid a visit to St. James Parish Thursday afternoon to hand out service medals to scores of veterans living in the River Parishes region.

Joined by Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Lane Carson, St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom, St. James Parish President Dale Hymel and several St. James Parish Council members, Jindal awarded more than 530 medals that celebrate and honor the service of all Louisiana men and women who fought for the United States.

“I’m here to say thank you to these brave men and women who ran toward danger instead of away from it,” Jindal said. “We’re forever grateful for the sacrifices veterans have made on our behalf.”

Thursday’s ceremony, which included veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the first Gulf War, was part of a series of celebrations statewide that has become known as the Veterans’ Honor Medal Program. The program, which is managed by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, was created through legislation signed by the governor in 2008. Jindal said he and several members of the Louisiana National Guard have crisscrossed the state to give out more than 13,000 medals.

One side of the gold-plated medal shows the state of Louisiana with the imprint of a fleur de lis in the middle and the words “United States Armed Forces” above and below. The other side bears the words, “Louisiana appreciates your service to our country.”

Veterans who sustained a wound in battle received an honor medal designated by a silver star and a purple ribbon. Families of veterans who were killed in action received an honor medal designated by a gold star and a gold ribbon. Medals for veterans who were prisoners of war came with a black ribbon and all other wartime veterans received a blue ribbon.

While awarding the medals, Jindal told stories of medal recipients to highlight the heroic acts of those being honored. One story in particular involved 80-year-old Grand Pointe resident Roger Louque. A few months after marrying his wife Cecile in November 1950, Louque was shipped off with the Army to Korea.

On his first night overseas, he and his squad of about 40 men were sent out on patrol with the mission to take control of a mountain top observation point in a key location near Seoul, Korea. Weather in Korea at that time of year was very cold, and Louque started out on the long hike in full cold-weather gear, including a fur cap that he wore underneath his helmet. As his squad continued uphill, Louque started to get warm and removed his fur cap and replaced his helmet, which was now positioned lower on his head.

Seconds later, Louque and his squad came under fire in a surprise attack from enemy soldiers. His squad’s lieutenant and many others were killed in the ambush. Louque quickly mobilized and fired his weapon. He and his men were able to drive off enemy forces and later capture the mountain top observation point.

It was after the attack when Louque realized he had been hit by gunfire — an enemy round had shattered the front rim of his helmet, but the helmet protected him from injury. Had Louque not removed his fur cap when he did, his helmet would have been set too high on his head to protect him and he would have taken a direct hit to the head. Louque went on to complete the remainder of his service and was honorably discharged in 1953. 

He returned home and worked for the Shell-Norco Refinery plant where he retired in 1989 after 36 years. Louque was present Thursday to receive his medal.