A press release from State Rep. Barb Wheeler:
Wheeler Requests National Recognition for Fox Lake Hero
Fox Lake, IL… State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) is calling on President Barack Obama and Congress to recognize a local hero from Fox Lake.
Loren Duke Abdalla is a World War II hero that was passed up up for national recognition because of his Native American heritage during his service from 1943 to 1947.
After over a dozen resolutions have passed honoring Loren Duke Abdalla from all over Illinois and the United States, Rep. Wheeler passed House Resolution 1086, which requests a Congressional review of Loren Duke Abdalla’s story of brave and selfless service.
World War II Vet Loren Duke Abdalla was in State Rep. Barbara Wheeler’s office with hs grandson, Doug Nykolaycuyk.
Her ultimate goal is for Adballa to receive the coveted Congressional Medal of Honor. “As we celebrate this national holiday, it is important for us to recognize and honor our local heroes,” said Wheeler.
“Loren Duke Abdalla’s story is truly part of what makes us all American, and he is worthy of national recognition as we celebrate the birth of our nation.
“I am calling on the president and congress to swiftly review his case for the Medal of Honor so our local hero can be recognized.”
Loren Duke Abdalla is the great-grandson of Head Chief Running Bull of the Yankton Sioux Tribe from South Dakota.
Running Bull was one of the Yankton tribal members who approved the sale of reservation land in 1892 and was the last known Sioux Chief after the government abolished the chief system in 1890. His daughter, Minnie Running Bull, married a Scottish immigrant named George Abdalla, who raised Loren on their farm along with his parents.
Loren enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943 and fought in the Pacific Theater in World War II. Loren fought in the Battle of Peleliu, where he was hit by shrapnel in his legs, had his ear drums blown out, and was one of just 29 survivors from his battalion.
After recovering from his injuries, Loren returned for the Battle of Okinawa, where he personally saved the lives of three men. After being burned by an enemy grenade, Corporal John Brady was carried to safety by Loren. Additionally, after he froze on a ridge, Marine H. T. Clark was pulled out by Loren, and Loren also pulled a war correspondent out of a shell hole while under fire.
Even though he performed these and other courageous acts, he has not been federally recognized for his efforts. The Abdalla family suspects this is due to Native American discrimination that was wide spread in the United States during the 1940s.
“As we celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded of the strong values that created this country.
“Loren Duke Abdalla is the embodiment of those values.
“His heroism during World War II should not be ignored because of his lineage.
The resolution passed with the unanimous support of the Veteran Affairs Committee, which is requesting the President and Congress to review Loren’s case for the Medal of Honor.
“I would also encourage people to reach out to their congressman in support of Loren.”
Rep. Wheeler has reached out to Illinois’ Congressional delegation and also to President Obama, Speaker Boehner, and Leaders Pelosi, Reid, and McConnell by sending them a copy of HR 1086.