MADISON – Two veterans of World War II recently received a cherished, patriotic symbol of their military service during this traumatic era in world history.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation presented a Quilt of Valor to Richard G. ‘Mac’ McCollum and Warren Schmitt as members of “The Greatest Generation” who served in World War II. The ceremony was held at Regency Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Huntsville on Aug. 29.

Joining McCollum and Schmitt, a group of relatives and friends gathered to honor these veterans. McCollum and Schmitt both are active members of Madison American Legion, Post 229 and Forever Young Senior Veterans; representatives from both of these organizations attended the presentation to give their support.

Other veterans of World War II attending the ceremony included Major Wooten, U.S. Army; Sherwin Callander, U.S. Navy; and Ross Malone, U.S. Army.

Mary Hall, who serves as Alabama Coordinator for the Quilt of Valor Foundation, was moderator for the ceremony.

The presentation was held Regency Health Care because Schmitt unfortunately had a stroke recently and is a patient at the facility. “Warren has improved, and he is doing well,” Madison Legionnaire Tom McKinney said.

Schmitt saw combat in Cerignola, Italy with 456 Bomb Group, 15th Air Force. He served in the North Appenninea campaign in Po Valley, Rhineland. A nose gunner on a B-24 bomber, Schmitt completed 13 bombing missions.

For his bravery in Germany, Schmitt received the Purple Heart. He and the co-pilot were injured by shrapnel during anti-aircraft fire to their bomber over Germany.

During his military service in World War II, McCollum served as a Paratrooper in 101st Airborne. 

Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Volunteers make each quilt by hand and donate their time and materials to make the quilts. 

Each quilt expresses the message, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation in combat.” Nationally, the organization has awarded more than 179,786 quilts since its founding in 2003. (qovf.org, Facebook/Quilts of Valor)