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Covina, Calif. - Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) presented military commendations to a Covina Veteran who served in the Korean War.

Clingen enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 at the age of 18. He went to boot camp in San Diego and was assigned to the USS Rochester as a Seaman. His tour of duty took him through Korea, Shanghai, Philippines, Hawaii and Formosa (Taiwan). After his discharge in 1955 he transitioned into the U.S. Navy Reserve. Originally from Grand Rapids, Mich. Clingen moved to the city of Covina in 1967.

“I believe it is the responsibility of our government to honor those who served our nation with courage and pride,” said Congresswoman Solis. “Mr. Clingen is a shining example of bravery for future generations. These medals are long overdue.” 

Congresswoman Solis presented him with the following medals: Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

Congresswoman Solis is a longtime advocate for legislation that will improve services for the nation’s veteran and the armed forces. She recently introduced H.R.5007, which would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide mental health services in languages other than English for veterans and their families with limited English proficiency and to expand the scope of mental health services provided to family members of veterans. In addition, she has been a cosponsor of the GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century, comprehensive legislation to improve benefits for servicemen and women by ensuring affordable and accessible health care, education benefits and job training.