Submitted photo Pictured (from left) are Senator George Borrello’s representative Randy Holcomb, Richard Reardon (center) and Congressman Nick Langworthy’s representative Brian Abram, during Richard Reardon’s 100th birthday celebration on Feb. 19.

JAMESTOWN — Richard Reardon, a veteran who served his country during World War II, serving as a part of the 245th Port Company in the Pacific Theater, and who was honored with multiple medals and awards for his service, is now being recognized in a different way as he recently reached 100 years old.

Reardon, who’s birthday was Feb. 19, was a part of a local group of soldiers from the Jamestown area who served together during WWII, and referred to themselves as the “Jamestonians”. The group was made up of 10 soldiers from the Jamestown area who served together in the jungles and beaches of New Guinea and Luzon, where they played a vital role in unloading critical supplies for Allied forces.

According to a Post-Journal article from that time, the “Jamestonians” were made up of five men from Jamestown, four from Falconer and one from Celeron. Besides Reardon, the group was made up of Frank Raymond, Arnold Norberg, William Shaver, George Patti, Lyle Price, Richard Raymond, George Prosser, Alan Sandberg, and Robert Olson. The article notes that Sandberg and Olson were also cousins.

The article details that the “Jamestonians” entered the service together on March 9, 1943 and that they “think they hold somewhat of a record for sticking together in World War II”, according to a letter that the Post-Journal had received from them at that time while they served somewhere in the jungles of New Britain.

“Every now and then we get together and talk about the good old times in Jamestown,” part of the letter said. “It makes life in the jungles go a little bit easier.”

The group was also noted to have been “buddies in school” before the war.

For his time in the service, Reardon was awarded multiple commendations, including the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Arrowhead Victory Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 7, 1946.

On Reardon’s birthday, he was recognized with a Congressional Record by Congressman Nick Langworthy, whose office was represented in attendance at his birthday lunch celebration, along with a representative of Senator George Borrello and some other local friends.

Bonnie Larkin, who’s father, George Prosser, was also part of the “Jamestonians” said the lunch was put together at the Olive Garden to celebrate Reardon because his family is not in the area.

“We had lunch, cake and presents,” Larkin said. “We thought it was important to be able to do something for him because his family was not going to be able to do anything because they don’t live around here and weren’t going to be able to come up to Western New York in the middle of winter.”

Langworthy praised Reardon for his service, and extended his congratulations to him for reaching his 100th birthday.

“Mr. Reardon is an extraordinary American hero and constituent of NY-23,” Langworthy said. “In learning of his numerous impressive commendations and medals, I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Reardon and everything he has accomplished throughout his life. In celebration of his 100th birthday, which recently passed, and his life of dedication and service, I extend my sincerest gratitude and congratulations to Richard and his family.”