Local war heroes recognized at Quaker Steak and Lube in Austintown

Community members gathered at Quaker Steak and Lube in Austintown Thursday to honor 13 local war heroes.

The group received plaques at the Patriot Day event for their bravery, courage, and selflessness. 

Military vehicles were on display at the ceremony that included a drop-in parachute landing, a flag ceremony, an Army Chinook Helicopter flyover and 21-gun salute from members of American Legion Post 737. 

Fitch High School students sang the National Anthem at the event. 

The 13 honorees are: 

• Merrill Spahlinger, 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, B-17 Navigator, 35 Missions, Europe, Air Medal - World War II
• Irving "Irv" Lev, 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, B-17 Navigator, 35 Missions, Europe, Distinguished Flying Cross - World War II
• Phil DeCapito, UDT Underwater Demolition Team (later renamed Navy Seals), U.S. Navy - Korean War
• John Fedorek, 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Purple Heart - Vietnam War
• Charles Tranum, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Marine Corps/U.S. Army, Purple Heart - Vietnam War
• Haskel B. Westmoreland, Command Sergeant Major, U.S Army, three tours, Silver Star and two Purple Hearts - Vietnam War
• Joe Calabria, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army/U.S. Marine Corps, Silver Star and 3 Purple Hearts - Vietnam War
• Ray Schafer, Sergeant,  U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal - Vietnam War
• Clinton Ray, Corporal, U.S. Army, Purple Heart - Vietnam War
• Lance Matthews, U.S. Navy - The Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm 
• Anthony Gerald Dricken, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, three tours, Combat Action Badge - Iraq War
• Joshua Gary Ackler, HMS1, Petty Officer 1st Class, Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, two Purple Hearts - Iraq War