The Southeastern Veterans’ Center in Spring City inducted two local veterans and 35 Medal of Honor recipients into its Hall of Fame, including a former Palmerton resident.

The center is one of six veterans homes operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

“These 37 military heroes are deservingly part of our Hall of Fame family, where their legacy of selfless sacrifice can be forever honored and appreciated,” said Rohan Blackwood, commandant. “It is with great pride that we walk the halls of this building, knowing that a proper tribute has been paid to so many veterans who protected our borders and preserved our freedom.”

Master Sgt. Frank Horvath, a former postmaster in Palmerton, served in the United States Army from 1942-1945.

He was in the K Company’s 331 Infantry Regiment, 83rd Division, which landed on Omaha Beach on June 16, 1944.

His awards include the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, an American Theater Service Medal, a Victory Medal, and the French Legion of Honor Medal.

Horvath has accrued more than 380 volunteer hours at the center, often entertaining residents with his musical talent.

A key criterion for induction into a veterans home Hall of Fame is that the nominee must have completed honorable, active duty, military service and rendered extraordinary service to our nation, the community and/or to comrades while in military service.

Additionally, inductees must be a current resident of a Pennsylvania veterans home, or a community resident who served in uniform (with distinction) from one of the local counties affiliated with that veterans home.