PRESS RELEASE
CLARENCE – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) presented the recovered World War II medals of George Sentz, who passed away this past March, to his wife Clara Sentz and son Jerry Sentz. Mr. Sentz enlisted into the Army Air Corps during World War II and was deployed overseas to serve in Panama.
“It was a privilege to present to Mrs. Sentz and Jerry with the medals that Mr. Sentz had earned for his heroic actions from World War II,” said Congressman Collins. “Mr. Sentz was a true American hero who protected our country from harm’s way during World War II and I am honored that my office was able to recover the medals that he earned.”
During his time in Panama, Mr. Sentz was apart of a team that stopped three Japanese ships from crossing through the Panama Canal. His team also captured a Japanese submarine, preventing it from crossing into United States territory. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar for his heroic actions during the war. Congressman Collins’ office recovered these medals that became lost over the years.
After being honorably discharged, Mr. Sentz entered the Erie County Technical School for Mechanical and Aerospace on the GI Bill. Upon graduation, Mr. Sentz worked at the American Optical, where he was on the forefront of inventing many products which are still used for eye examinations today. Mr. Sentz passed away on March 18th, 2019, widowing his wife of 69 years and leaving his two sons, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Surrounded by family and friends, Mrs. Sentz and Jerry were presented with the four medals recovered by Congressman Collins’s office, an American Flag that was flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. and a Congressional Certificate of Commendation.
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