Nellis remembers prisoners of war

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2000 | 9:55 a.m.

Three Korean War veterans and one World War II veteran received belated Prisoner of War medals last week when 100 airmen, veterans, family members and guests honored them as part of POW/MIA ceremonies at Nellis Air Force Base's Freedom Park.

Brig. Gen. David Moody decorated Daniel F. Atwell, Clifford J. Daniels, Johnnie E. Phillips and Jerry V. Lefors.

Lefors was shot down over Germany during his second mission in World War II. He was captured on Oct. 14, 1943, and imprisoned until April 29, 1945.

Atwell, Daniels and Phillips were captured by North Koreans. Atwell was imprisoned from May 1951 until August 1953; Daniels from November 1950 until September 1953 and Phillips from May 1951 until August 1953.

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., congratulated the medal recipients and expressed her admiration of them and all men and women in uniform, alluding to her father's military service.

She told the assembled airmen and veterans that her service on the House Veterans Affairs Committee has increased her appreciation of the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform. Berkeley and representatives of other members of the Nevada congressional delegation presented certificates of appreciation to the former POWs.

Following a reading of names of 16 Nevadans and 13 Nellis servicemen still listed as missing in action, singer Isaiah Urrazabo performed his rendition of "God Bless the USA," bringing everyone to their feet during the final verse just before a flight of Nellis F-16 fighters passed overhead in the ceremonial "missing man" formation.

Change of command

Lt. Col. Craig Wroblewski was given command of the Nevada Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 99th Troop Command during ceremonies at the Clark County Armory Sept. 9.

Brig. Gen. Robert Hayes, commander of the Nevada National Guard, passed the command responsibility for the unit from ceremony host and former 99th commander, Lt. Col. William Pierce.

About 160 guardsmen were assembled for the ceremony, which was accompanied by bagpipe music in view of a display of military vehicles used by the battalion.