Post Messenger Recorder -

On Sunday, July 17, 2016, family and friends of Orson "Junior" Robertson gathered at the Veterans Monument in Monticello. Vicki Sasso and Linda Stolts from the Quilts of Valor Foundation were on hand to honor Robertson, who they called a "true Wisconsin Hometown Hero."

Orson Robertson Jr. was born in Monroe, the son of Elma and Orson Robertson Sr. His family consisted of 12 children, with Junior being the youngest. In 1965, he graduated from Monroe High School.

June 1966 saw Orson Robertson reporting to Fort Benning, Georgia, in the US Army for six weeks of basic training. He further reported for Infantry School at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Airborne Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Everyday Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Robertson served in Vietnam from June 1967 thru June 1968, as a member of the 101st Airborne, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry. He was a squad leader and a "tunnel rat" and was discharged at the rank of Sergeant.

In 1977, Robertson became a member of Monroe's 1158th Transportation Unit in the National Guard. He served for nine years and were discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

Orson Roberston Jr. has been awarded many military commendations. These include:

Combat Infantryman Badge

National Defense Medal

Civil Action Honor Medal

RVN Gallantry Cross Medal

PURPLE HEART

Vietnam Service Medal

Vietnam Campaign Medal

U. S. Vietnam Service Medal

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

On November 17, 2006 - he was granted and assigned the distinction of "Distinguished Member" of the 327th Infantry at Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Sue Moen

When presenting a Quilt of Valor, the veteran is wrapped in the quilt and given a hug by presenters Vicki Sasso and Linda Stolts from the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

In January 2015, Robertson returned to Vietnam. During the time he was in country for his Vietnam service, there was a church under fire and he saved the priest's life. When he went back to Vietnam he sought out that priest. When Robertson found him, the priest priest recognized him.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a non-profit grassroots group of quilters from all across the US. In 2003, a quilter and blue star mother, Catherine Roberts from New Hampshire, had the idea of comforting veterans with quilts during the time her son was deployed in Iraq. Since then, over 140,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded here in the United States, Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. Our all-volunteer membership consists of over 10,000 quilters. The mission of the foundation is "to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor."