Published: August 20, 2008 08:46 pm         

Crane set to host POW/MIA recognition ceremony

CRANE, Ind. — The Crane Army Ammunition Activity will join with Naval Support Activity Crane, and Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, in hosting the annual Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Ceremony at 10 a.m. Sept 18. The ceremony will be at the site of Crane’s POW Tree and Monument.

During Crane’s 2007 ceremony, 29 former POWs, or families of deceased former POWs were honored. Guest speaker for this year’s ceremony will be former POW and Korean War veteran Robert Felcher.

Fletcher entered military service in May 1950. He was captured Nov. 27, 1950 and held as a prisoner of war by the North Koreans/Chinese Communists until he was repatriated on Aug. 7, 1953. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal, Combat infantry Badge, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War Medal.

A luncheon to honor the former POWs will be at Crane’s Club Lakeview immediately following the POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony.

Media wishing to attend the Ceremony must contact the NSWC Crane Public Affairs Office at (812) 854-3239. Media also wishing to attend the luncheon immediately following the ceremony should make reservations when contacting the Public Affairs Office. Reservations must be made by noon Sept. 16. Media should report to the Bloomington gate no later than 8 a.m. for the POW/MIA Ceremony, which begins promptly at 10 a.m. Media will not be admitted without prior reservation. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be in the Center gymnasium.