Alfred B. Sherman Alfred B. Sherman, recipient of the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal from the State of Maine. (Photo Robert Mitchell)

On December 29, 2007, Alfred B. "Al" Sherman was honored by the Bureau of Maine Veterans Service at his Boothbay home as he was presented the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal for his "honorable service in the Armed Forces of our country and for his award of the Purple Heart for wounds received during World War II."

The presentation, which also included a Certificate of Appreciation from The Citizens of Maine signed by Governor John Baldacci and Adjutant General of Maine Major General John Libby, was conducted by Peter Ogden, Director of the Bureau of Maine Veterans Service, and Evan Plourde, Claims Specialist at the VA Center in Togus. Also present were Plourde's wife, Nancy, and Sherman's sons, Barry and Paul Sherman.

"The Maine Silver Star … allows us to thank veterans, offer help and capture the history of service," said Ogden at the presentation.

Gunnery Sergeant Alfred B. Sherman, now 86, fought with the 4th Marine Division in Iwo Jima, Saipan, Tinian and Roi-Namur during World War II. He was wounded five times and received three Purple Heart commendations, according to his family. Sherman, a 1939 graduate of Boothbay Harbor High School, enlisted in the Marines in August 1942, nine months after America entered World War II. He was discharged in December 1945, returned home, got married and raised a family of seven children.

The Maine Silver Star is to all presented to all members of the Armed Forces who are: residents of Maine upon entry on qualifying active duty tour; are a current resident of Maine; served in a combat theater; were authorized the Purple Heart; and received an Honorable Discharge.

The antique bronze Silver Star shows five stars - one for each branch of the service - and 16 pine cones, one for each county in Maine. It is attached to a blue ribbon which matches the blue in the American flag. The medal was designed by artist Gary Cooper of Fayette.