Hoeven Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veteran, Presents Family with Military Awards

Senator Presents Medals to Phillip Brusven Family

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. – At a ceremony in Devils Lake today, Senator John Hoeven presented the family of Vietnam Veteran Phillip Brusven with the military awards he earned while serving in the U.S. Navy. Phillip Brusven passed away in March 2013 and was never presented his medals. Hoeven’s office has been working with the Brusven family to secure the medals and today presented them to Phillip’s wife, Linda.

“Our service members and their families make untold sacrifices to protect and defend our nation,” said Hoeven. “We pay tribute to the memory of Phillip Brusven and honor his dedicated service on behalf of our nation. Although belated, I hope these medals stand as a reminder of the legacy of selfless service and dedication that Phillip left for his family.”

Phillip Brusven, son of Hans and Gladys Brusven, was born in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Phillip enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968. He attended boot camp in San Diego, California and received his aviation electrician training in Jacksonville, Florida. He spent three tours off the coast of Vietnam on the USS Ranger.

Phillip married his wife Linda in 1968, and they were married for 45 years. Phillip and Linda have three children, Kimberly, Robert and Jeffrey, and six grandchildren. Following his Navy service, Phillip was a customer service technician repairing copiers. His family called him “Mr. Fix-It” because he loved to repair and fix everything. Phillip passed away on March 20, 2013 in Devils Lake.

Phillip Brusven Military Honors

Navy Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with one silver and one bronze star
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 device

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