Edna Mae Fagner was awarded medals Monday night at the Lime Springs American Legion meeting recognizing her WWII service in the United States Marine Corps.
    Fagner served during WWII from April 26, 1943 to Dec. 28, 1945 and was honorably discharged from El Toro, Calif. Fagner, then Sgt. Larsen, served in the territory of Hawaii from Feb. 11, 1945 to Dec. 13 1945.
    “To the best of my knowledge, Mrs. Fagner is the only female marine sargeant in the local area,” said Deanne Hosek, executive director of the Howard County Commission of Veterans Affairs and Iowa Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major.
    Hosek conducted the Lime Springs ceremony on Monday.
    During the ceremony, Hosek awarded Sgt. Fagner the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal for her service in those areas during a period of war. She also received the Honorable Discharge Lapel Pin as proof that she served her country honorably.
    Hosek also awarded Fagner the Marine Rifle Marksman Qualification Badge. Hosek said it is understood that Fagner qualified with a rifle, even though it was not required of female marines to do so during her time of service.
    “Sgt. Fagner remains as a forerunner to, and role model for, all women serving in the military today, and is to be commended for her active voluntary participation in coming to her country’s defense in its time of need,” Hosek said.