WYOMING, Michigan — Irwin and Orvid Lawson were presented with Congressional Gold Medals on Saturday for their service in the Sault Ste. Marie Civil Air Patrol Squadron and U.S. Army Corps during World War II.
Orvid Lawson is 92 years old and currently living in Wyoming, Mich. The medal was presented posthumously to his father, Irwin Lawson, who died on Aug. 10, 1945 while volunteering in the CAP. He was one of 65 CAP members who lost their life while volunteering.
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) presented the medals to Orvid Lawson and his brothers at the Roger Chaffee American Legion in Wyoming on Saturday afternoon.
"I want to say thank you on behalf of your government. We thank you for your service and what you have done," said Huizenga to Orvid Lawson. "Congratulations."
Irwin and Orvid Lawson worked alongside each other in the Civil Air Patrol, a volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
Congress commissions gold medals as an expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.
"[We] recognize the great contributions of civil air patrollers during World War II," said Col. Rajesh Kothari with the Civil Air Patrol. "This is what brought into effect the Congressional Gold Medal for the nearly 200,000 volunteer men and women that served during World War II."
Irwin Lawson's medal was presented to two of his other sons Wilmer and Verva Lawson.
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