Dole, who was born July 22, 1923, in Russell, Kansas, enrolled in the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps in 1942 when he was a student at the University of Kansas. He was later called to active duty the following year and served during World War II.
Dole, now 95 years old, finished his military service with two Purple Hearts and two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with the “V” device for valor, as well as a number of other awards.
“I was proud to wear our nation’s uniform 77 years ago when I enlisted, and my pride in America’s brave servicemen and women continues today.”
During a deployment to Italy when he was in the Army as an infantry lieutenant in the 10th Mountain Division, Dole was seriously wounded in combat and was “twice cited for acts of heroism under fire.” Dole later served in the House of Representatives from 1961 to 1969 and served in the Senate from 1969 until 1996.
The legislation has no effect on Dole’s pay or other military benefits. The bill was pushed by members of the Kansas House and Senate delegations.
During his time serving in Congress, Dole sponsored and co-sponsored bills in Congress that would improve veterans benefits, improve accountability of missing members of the Armed Forces, and to establish the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry, among others.
On April 6, Dole and a number of current senators attended a veterans event in Washington.