VNSNY Hospice Arranges a Special Salute for a War Hero

Korean War veteran John DeSimone is a New Yorker born and bred. Raised in Lower Manhattan before moving to Queens as a young man, he had a 40-year career as a runner for the New York Stock Exchange following his discharge from the service. Now, thanks to VNSNY Hospice and Palliative Care, he is spending his final months in his Astoria home of 50 years, with his daughter, Marie, and other family and friends at his side. Mr. DeSimone, who lost his wife in 2015, is a devout Protestant who has had a lifetime involvement with his church, where he served as an Elder. And though bedbound, his sense of humor is as sharp as ever. As he approached the end of life, however, he was disappointed that he had somehow misplaced the three Bronze Stars he earned for his valorous conduct during the Korean conflict.

Happily, his Bronze Stars are missing no longer. Earlier this month, at the invitation of the VNSNY Hospice Veterans Program, U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley visited Mr. DeSimone at his home, where he joined VNSNY Hospice Veterans Program Supervisor Joe Vitti in presenting replacement medals to the war hero.

“These Bronze Stars weren’t given out readily in Korea,” noted Joe, who was instrumental in obtaining the duplicate medals. “To meet a veteran with three of them is a true honor.” After receiving the medals, Mr. DeSimone exchanged salutes with Joe and VNSNY Hospice Veterans Liaison Sung Yoon, both U.S. military veterans themselves.

Moments like these are part of the reason why VNSNY Hospice has been awarded Level Four status by the We Honor Veterans program—a designation bestowed on agencies that reach the highest standard in meeting the unique needs of veterans and their families. Mr. DeSimone’s medal ceremony wasn’t the only emotional highlight of the day: A few minutes before, Congressman Crowley had presented him with a certificate showing that his name and wartime accomplishments had been entered into the Congressional Record. Then the Congressman handed the veteran a folded American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol building in Mr. DeSimone’s honor.

“On behalf of a grateful nation and a community that appreciates all you did in the service of your nation and the sacrifices that you made, and for your comrades, many of whom didn’t come home, I just want to say thank you,” Congressman Crowley said, shaking Mr. DeSimone’s hand.

“Thank you,” replied Mr. DeSimone. And as the group around him broke into “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” he grinned broadly, waving a triumphant fist in the air.