Hit published on November 5, 2009, for Avamere Group
Mel Garten is one of the most decorated soldiers in American history and he has the medals to prove it.
While serving 30 years and in three wars, Col. Garten was awarded five Purple Hearts, four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, 20 ribbons, and many more honors. One of his most remarkable exploits was a rescue mission in World War II in which he helped to free 2,500 U.S. POWs in a Japanese labor camp.
