Mesa County helps secure long overdue recognition for WWII Veteran
When Isaac Labig came into the Mesa County Workforce Center with his grandmother in December 2025, they were simply looking for information. His grandmother, Mary Williams, is the surviving spouse of WWII veteran Merl Williams, and they wanted to know if there were any benefits she might still qualify for. They attended a Tuesday walk-in at the Veterans Services Office and sat down with Veterans Services Officer Laura Stanley to go over his service history.
Merl Williams served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. During his time in the military, he earned several honors including the Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He returned home after the war and shared many stories with his family. Never one to boast, he spoke little of his own valor, nor did he mention any of the medals he received or could have received. He passed away in 2010.
While reviewing his records, Mary shared that her husband had been in Japan after the atomic bombings and had participated in recovery efforts in either Hiroshima or Nagasaki. That detail stood out, and Laura began looking further into what that service might qualify him for. Through her research, she found that Merl Williams met the criteria for the Atomic Veteran Medal and Certificate, a recognition given to those who were part of the occupation forces in those areas following the bombings.
With Mary’s permission, Laura submitted an application through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Atomic Veteran Service Recognition Program. The process required gathering documentation and confirming details from his service record, but it ensured that his time in Japan was properly acknowledged.
In April 2026, Merl Williams was posthumously awarded the Atomic Veteran Medal and Certificate. It was a recognition that had been missing for decades and one that his family did not know to ask about when they first came in.
This situation is a good example of the role the Veterans Services Office plays in the community. Families often come in with a specific question, but a deeper review can uncover additional benefits or recognition tied to a veteran’s service. In this case, it meant helping a family receive something that had been earned more than 80 years ago.
Veterans and their family members who have questions about benefits or military service records are encouraged to connect with a Veterans Services Officer. Even if you are not sure what to ask for, it can be worth having someone take a closer look.
