Bergen Veteran Gets Service Medals He Earned 74 Years Ago

RIVER VALE, NJ - A local World War II veteran was presented Monday with long overdue service medals, more than 70 years after his service in the U.S. Navy helping deliver food and supplies to Okinawa, Japan.

After learning that Thomas Simpson, a 92-year-old Bergen County native and former River Vale police chief, never received his medals, Old Tappan Mayor John Kramer sought out U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer for help.

The Fifth District Congressman worked to secure the medals for Simpson and visited Sunrise Assisted Living in Old Tappan Monday to present them to the veteran.

Surrounded by family and friends, Gottheimer gave Simpson the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Honorable Reserve Discharge Button, and the Ruptured Duck Honorable Service Lapel Pin.

“It’s an absolute honor and privilege to hear Mr. Simpson’s story, and to thank him for his service to our great country. Throughout my work all across the Fifth District, I feel especially lucky to be able to spend time with so many of our brave veterans,” Gottheimer said. “It is our duty as Americans not only to honor these men and women, but to do everything we can to fight for them when they return, to ensure they have the care they need, the benefits they were promised, and the support we all owe them.”

After graduating from Bergenfield High School, Simpson joined the Navy, serving from 1944 to 1946. Following his service, he worked as a mail carrier in Bergenfield for about a decade before joining the River Vale Police Department.

In July 1972, Simpson was sworn in as the town's third police chief, following the retirement of Chief Nelson Roberge, according to River Vale's website. He retired from the police department in 1992 and now lives at an assisted living center with his wife.

Gottheimer continued, “I want to impress upon all veterans throughout the Fifth District that my door is always open for any issues they may have. After sacrificing so much, they and their families should never struggle to get the care or recognition they so rightfully deserve.”