American Legion Post 204 is flying a special flag the month of December in honor of a highly decorated Korean War veteran. This month’s flag, which flies in Veterans Park north of the Seminole Municipal Building, honors Howard “Alabama” Patty, who passed away in 2016.

Patty was born August 3, 1930 in Inverness, Florida. A member of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, he was a 32nd - degree Mason. Patty was also a 16-year member of the American Legion, Highland Post 201.

Patty joined the U.S. Army after primary school. He took basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Following basic training, Corporal Patty completed Quartermaster School before being shipped out to the Korean peninsula. He was discharged from the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey after nine years of honorable service.

Sgt. Patty’s army career encompassed the Korean War, and he was stationed in the German theatre during the Cold War. At the time of his separation, he had earned the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, indicating his participation in two strategic campaigns. He also received the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal in Germany. After his Army career he went to work for the Ford Motor Company’s Louisville Assembly plant.

The local American Legion post honors a different deceased veteran each month, part of a national effort to bring awareness to local fallen service members. All veterans that have passed away are eligible to be honored. To nominate someone, contact Post Commander Carl Odom at (405) 380-4615.