President Barack Obama reviewing WW II Marine Corporal, Loren Duke Abdalla's case for distinguished military award

CHICAGO, IL, USA, July 28, 2015 /EINPresswire.com/ -- President Barack Obama is reviewing the case for a Congressional Medal of Honor of WW II veteran, Loren Duke Abdalla, journalist Fran Briggs reported today. The United States Marine who performed incredible acts of heroism during the war, is the great-grandson of the legendary, Head Chief Running Bull of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, South Dakota.

The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military honor and is awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. It recognizes individuals who distinguished themselves 'conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity' in combat with an enemy of the United States. The medal is awarded by the President of the United States in the name of the U.S. Congress to U.S. active and veteran military personnel.

"Corporal Loren Duke Abdalla is believed to have been denied the prestigious honor during WWII because of his Native American heritage," stated Doug Nykolaycuyk, the eldest grandson of Abdalla. "His comrades often called him, 'The Indian.' Today he is affectionately known by others as, 'Papa Duke' (http://standupforpapaduke.com)."

Doug Nykolaycuyk added that Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake, IL) recently passed House Resolution 1086. "As the result, my grandfather is currently receiving a presidential review for a Congressional Medal of Honor."

After recovering from mortar fire wounds which left holes in both legs during WW II's Battle of Peleliu, Loren Duke Abdalla was promoted to Corporal. As a Squad Leader of 12 men, he fought in the Battle of Okinawa in May, 1945.

Abdalla says that when another Squad leader "took a direct hit from a phosphorous grenade, I immediately ran to him. Hoisting him over my shoulder amidst the firing, I made my way back to safety and placed him in the arms of awaiting reserve soldiers."

Loren Duke then returned to the frontline as the only remaining member of his 12-man squad to advance on enemy position.

"Through the smoke laden air, I surmised that none of the men in my squad were left to assist me," he explained.

By the fourth nest he realized he was alone and took out the last two nests himself. Each nest was manned by several Japanese soldiers. The Corporal was one of just 29 survivors from a battalion of 235. His unselfish actions saved many lives and allowed the First Marine Division to safely advance.

After going into a catatonic state on a ridge, Marine, H. T. Clark was pulled to safety by Corporal Loren Duke Abdalla. The Corporal also rescued a war correspondent out of a shell hole while under fire.

"I've seen them passing out Congressional Medals of Honor for carrying a guy out. I carried three guys out under machine gun fire, three different times," recalled a very passionate, Abdalla.

The Fox Lake, IL resident was recognized for his heroic efforts by the South Dakota Sioux tribe with a Red Eagle Feather. Many veterans were honored for their courageous actions with Congressional Medal of Honors. However, despite Abdalla's heroic actions and honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps on February 28, 1947, he has yet to be recognized for his valiant efforts, nor has he received the distinctive honor.

Among those leading the drive to award Loren Duke Abdalla with the Congressional Medal of Honor is disabled veteran and Executive Board Member of V-SPANN (Veterans Special Programs American National Network), Robert Renteria.

"Doug Nykolaycuyk and his family have been on a long, arduous mission to bring overdue and well deserved honor home for their grandfather. On behalf of V-SPANN, I am proud to see the day finally come for Papa Duke and his family so he can get the recognition and honor he deserves,” stated Renteria.

Nykolaycuyk added, "When I found out that he went back to fight in The Battle of Okinawa, not only did I look at him as a family treasure, but also, a national treasure. The President of the United States, as The Commander In Chief can award a military award after a presidential review. We were able to get governors from 15 states and President Obama's attention regarding my grandfather. We are pleased that he is reviewing his service."

For more information on Robert Renteria, visit http://sociafy.me/american/
or call 312-933-5619.

To learn more about Papa Duke, contact Doug Nykolaycuyk. Call 312-437-3325, visit www.DonnaKingAuthor.com, or email LDAWW2@gmail.com

Fran Briggs
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