WWII hero Earl Derrington, the POW's friend, awarded the Bronze Star in ceremony

Tuesday February 1, Congressman Gregg Harper awarded the Bronze Star to WWII veteran Earl Derrington of Jackson. The 86-year old Derrington was a prisoner of war in Germany. Upon his return home to Jackson and recovery from wounds received, he began working for all American POW's everywhere. Mr. Derrington with the help of state legislators passed one of the first POW bills in the country through the Mississippi Legislature, and eventually helped do the same for the rest of the country.

You can read the Clarion Ledger coverage of the ceremony HERE.

Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett



VA Congressional Assistant Larry Wert, introduces Congressman Gregg Harper.
Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett 



Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett

Congressman Harper presents Mr. Derrington with the Combat Infantry Badge. The award was a replacement for one Derrington lost in 1945 while recovering from combat wounds.
Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett

Congressman Gregg Harper pins the Bronze Star on Earl Derrington.
Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett

Harper and Derrington speak immediately following the ceremony.
Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett

Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett

Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett

Congressman Gregg Harper looks on as Earl Derrington is interviewed by the media following the ceremony.
Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett

Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett