Edmonds SON Lodge member and WWll veteran Amos Chapman Jr. was recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the U.S. Navy during war activities in the Philippines. The medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow on an American. In the letter that accompanied the medal, Senator Patty Murray praised Amos’ contributions saying “You have demonstrated incredible dedication to your country, and your sacrifices will never be forgotten”. Amos, now 94, is still an active member of the VFW Post 8870 and the Edmonds American Legion Post 66.
Amos joined the Navy at the age of 17, in 1943. He served aboard the USS Killen in the Pacific as a Fire Controller. His ship was engaged in the Battles for Leyte Gulf where they were under constant attack by artillery, air and Kamikaze attacks.
Amos was one of 28 veterans who received this distinguished award, 26 of whom are now deceased.