FRANKFORT, Ky. — Thanking our veterans for their service to our country is the easiest thing any of us can do. Governor Andy Beshear honored four veterans of World War II by commissioning them as Kentucky Colonels.

“We can never do enough to thank these veterans who, as young men, risked their lives to stand up to tyranny and forever changed the course of history,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I am honored just to be in their presence. As a small thank you for their selfless service to our nation, I am proud to honor each of them as a Kentucky Colonel.”

CPL Elwood Richardson is from Christian County and he spent 21 months overseas in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. He and his regiment were on the way to invade Japan when bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima ending the war. After the war ended, he assisted Bataan Death March prisoners of war prepare to return home. After his service, he worked in South Bend, Indiana and eventually returned to Hopkinsville.

SSG Henry Breithaupt is also from Christian County and served from 1946 until 1967. He saw action in three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He became a truck driver following his service. He retired in 1999.

SGT Jim Ethridge of Trigg County served from 1946 until 1952 during World War II and the Korean War. Ethridge was only 15 when he joined the Army and by the time he left, he received numerous honors. He was awarded the World War II occupation medal of Japan; World War II victory medal; Korean War service medal; and the Korean defense good conduct medal with two oak leaf clusters. The list goes on.

The last honoree is CPL Howard Bentley, who was unable to attend today. The Greenup County resident was drafted into the Army and would become one of Kentucky's most decorated soldiers during World War II. Bentley served with the 96th Infantry Division and was one of only four in U.S. military history to receive the U.S. Presidental Unit Citation in its entirety. For his valor, skill, and service during WWII, Bentley received a Bronze Star and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Also included in Bentley's lengthy list of honors is a Purple Heart. 

Bentley will receive his plaque for his nephew, Representative Danny Bentley, R-Greenup.

The title of Kentucky Colonel dates back to 1813 and is an honor given by the Governor of Kentucky. It honors men and women who served their state and country.