Southern Illinois Congressman Mike Bost Thursday recognized a local World War I veteran on the House floor.
Bost says July 19 marks the 100th anniversary of Private Paul Stout's death when the Murphysboro man served on the front lines in France.
"At the age of 20, he was Killed In Action in France in July of 1918. For his heroic actions, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with a "V" device for valor. The Paul Stout American Legion Post #127 in my hometown of Murphysboro is named after Private Stout. I had the opportunity to visit his gravesite at Belleau Wood. I can tell you it was a truly moving experience."
Stout graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1916.
