Gov. Christie Orders NJ Flags Lowered To Half-Staff In Honor Of World War II Hero
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Governor Chris Christie has ordered all state buildings to fly flags at half-staff to honor the memory and mark the passing of United States Army Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko, a New Jerseyan and World War II hero who became the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient in 2011.
According to the Executive Order, the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours from Thursday, October 10 through Thursday, October 17.
Born in Bayonne in 1917, Master Sergeant Oresko joined the United States Army and was deployed to Europe in 1944. After single-handedly defeating two German bunkers while seriously injured, Master Sergeant Oresko was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman in 1945. Master Sergeant Oresko passed away on October 4, 2013, at the age of 96.
"Master Sergeant Oresko's heroism, patriotism, and service to his country and his fellow soldiers make it appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to remember him and his family, to mark his passing, and to honor his memory," Christie said in the Executive Order.
