Vancouver World War II veteran honored for serviceSubscriber Exclusive

Vancouver resident receives Congressional Gold Medal, reflects on a ‘wonderful life’

By Carlos Fuentes, Columbian staff writer

Published: March 13, 2023, 6:06am

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Julian Thorne Hilts holds up a photo of himself in his apartment. Thorne received a Congressional Gold Medal last year for his service in the merchant marines in World War II. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian) Photo Gallery

Last May, 93-year old Julian Thorne Hilts received a shiny medal in the mail at the Vancouver retirement home where he lives. The medal was from Congress, which in 2021 passed an act to recognize the 260,000 merchant mariners — including Hilts — who served in World War II.