The article in The Daily Iberian entitled “Congressmen push to have VA clinic named after Fournet” caught my eye.  Anyone who has served in the military, particularly those who have lost their lives in the service of their country, ought to be recognized.

The article stated that Douglas Fournet, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, was the only “serviceman from southwest Louisiana to be awarded the Medal of Honor.” This is not a fact.

Jefferson (Jeff) DeBlanc, a resident of St. Martinville (also in southwest Louisiana) was a veteran of World War II who received numerous awards for bravery: Medal of Honor heads the list and includes the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and five Air Medals. Fortunately for Jeff he outlived the war.  He died on Nov. 22, 2007, and is buried in Saint Martinville.  

Seek out Jeff’s biography on the Internet. You would be impressed.

 

Regina A. Maraist

New Iberia