"Never Forgotten - Man Behind the Medal"

Veterans’ Memorial Hall will hold an opening event for its new exhibit about Duluth Medal of Honor recipient Major Henry A. Courtney Jr. on Tuesday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Depot in Duluth. The exhibit will describe Henry's brief life, from his Duluth Central High School days, when he was known as the “blonde giant,” to his final experiences as a major in the Marines in the Pacific Theater in World War II. At Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, he participated in the first U.S. offensive of World War II, commanding a company of the 1st Marine Division. His next combat action was Okinawa, where he was killed in action on the night of May 14-15 1945. The citation accompanying the Medal of Honor credited Major Henry A. Courtney with "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty" as executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division. The event will take place in the Great Hall of the Depot and is free. The opening event also will have food and beer from a few local Duluth establishments. The exhibit will be on display at the Depot for at least three months. For more information, contact Dan Hartman, 218-310-5356, or email at dhartman@vets-hall.org. Or check www.vets-hall.org.