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Leo Skelton honored for his (and four brothers') service to nation
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Terry Harris, at right, director of the Larned American Riders of Post 106, presents a plaque of appreciation to Navy man Leo Skelton, of Larned, second from right. Also pictured are Joan and Dennis Wilson, who hosted the Chamber Coffee Hour Oct. 14 at which the presentation was made. - photo by JERRY BUXTON Great Bend Tribune

Veterans Day (Thursday) is fast approaching, and a local man and his brothers were recently honored with a plaque and words of praise.

Leo Skelton of Larned and three of his four brothers all served with the Armed Forces during World War II. Glenn Skelton, a Marine, died in action. Leo served in the Navy, Russell in the Merchant Marines, Bob in the Air Force. Pete served in the Army during the Korean War.

Glenn’s death made him a "Gold Star Boy" and his mother a Gold Star Mother.

Leo, who always has a smile, a handshake and a good word for everyone, is 84 (his birthday is Feb. 11, hint, hint).

His brother, Bob, has died since the photo of four of the brothers featured on this page was taken. Russell is 90 and not in good health, Leo said, and Pete lives in Grand Junction, Colo.

At an Oct. 14 coffee hour at Dennis Wilson Auto Center, American Legion Riders of Post 106, Larned, surprised Leo with a plaque of appreciation for his (and his brothers’) service. Leo was a petty officer, first class, in the Navy, for four years. The plaque, and those who gave it, honored him for four years of "service to duty, honor and country."

He was also honored for "service to community and country, patriotism" and "talking up" the Legion Riders.Leo