Local People

Last Updated on Friday, 28 April 2017 00:03

Mt. Lebanon's Paul Steitz, 96, Still Serves as a Crossing Guard at Hoover Elementary School.

Paul Steitz recognized for outstanding military service

Recently, Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) honored local World War II veteran Paul Steitz at a medal ceremony in Mt. Lebanon. Mr. Steitz, 96, currently serves as a crossing guard at Hoover Elementary School. Private Steitz's family, as well as students from Hoover Elementary, also attended the ceremony.

"Honoring those who have served our nation is one of the most important responsibilities I have in representing Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District," said Congressman Murphy. "I thank Private Steitz for his brave service, as well as my hardworking staff who made sure he received the recognition he deserved."

In January, 2017, Mr. Steitz contacted Murphy's office concerning his VA benefits. After learning he was a WWII veteran, Murphy's office encouraged Mr. Steitz to request a replacement set of medals. He received: the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award, Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar and Rifle Bar, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.

in the photo at right - Top row: Murphy, Pvt. Steitz; Pvt. Steitz's daughter, Mary Sargent; son Hardie Steitz; Hoover Elementary School Principal Nicci Giehll; and Mt. Lebanon School District Superintendent Dr. Timothy J. Steinhauer. Bottom row: Hoover Elementary second grade students.