AUGUSTA, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today presented World War II veteran Captain Lester Slate of Exeter with several service medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, for his lifesaving act of heroism during the Second World War.

“As a citizen of the United States and as a United States Senator, I was honored to be with Captain Slate as he received the recognition he so richly deserves for his service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation,” Senator King said. “Indeed, nearly seventy years ago and in the face of great danger, Captain Slate put his own life on the line to rescue a fellow service member stranded helplessly in enemy waters. For that incredible act of heroism, and for his extraordinary four decades of service, he deserves not only these commendations, but the unending gratitude of our nation as well. It was a privilege to join with his family and friends to present him his medals this morning, and I am grateful for all that he has done for our nation.”

Captain Slate served in the U.S. Navy for nine years from 1942 to 1952 and flew a total of 43 combat missions during World War II. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal, among several other commendations, as a result of his heroism during a mission in which he and his crewmates rescued a downed Marine pilot from a life raft floating in hostile waters off the coast of Amami, Japan in 1945. Following his tenure in the U.S. Navy, Captain Slate also served in the U.S. Coast Guard for another 31 years from 1952-1982.

Although receiving some commendations years ago, Captain Slate was never awarded the medals commensurate with his actions and years of service. After hearing from Captain Slate, Senator King’s office was able to work with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of the Navy to secure the medals. In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal, Captain Slate was also presented with the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, a Discharge Button, and an Honorable Service Lapel Pin.

More than thirty of Captain Slate’s family members and friends attended the ceremony, which took place in Senator King’s office in Augusta. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Ogden, Director of the Bureau of Maine Veterans Services, and Brigadier General James D. Campbell, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard & Commissioner of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management, were also present to honor Captain Slate.

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