Ask anyone who knows me well and they’ll tell you that if I wouldn’t have pursued a career in journalism, I would most likely have gravitated toward the subject of history — particularly, 20th century America.
I’m absolutely fascinated by stories of the Great Depression, World War II, the 60s and 70s, and how Vietnam and the Cold War led into the Reagan Era.
Perhaps part of the reason I was so interested in history was because of my grandfather, Clarence Monke.
Donald Diederich knew he had earned medals in World War II. But he never thought he would see them.
That changed Tuesday afternoon at the Stark County Courthouse when Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., presented the 90-year-old Army veteran from Watford City with five medals, including a bronze star, for his service in the South Pacific during World War II.
“It means a lot. I really didn’t think it would mean that much,” Diederich said. “After so many years, I just kind of forgot about it. I always thought they would come, but I never got them.”
Hoeven said it is important that veterans like Diederich, whom he called a “great American,” are recognized for their sacrifices.
Dustin Monke 