The Clinton County Fiscal Court and local artist Norma Jean Anderson unveiled a portrait of Master Sergeant James Earl (J.E.) Morrison on Thursday during a ceremony held at the courthouse.

On Monday, the United States joined together to celebrate Veteran’s Day and last week, Clinton County honored the veterans in several ways, but one of those ways was to honor James Earl (J.E.) Morrison.

The Clinton County Fiscal Court held a ceremony on Thursday at the courthouse to honor Morrison and all he did during his time in the Army.

Morrison is Clinton County’s most decorated veteran of the Koren War.

Morrison’s awards and honors include the Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre, Purple Heart, Distinguished Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal with four Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

He was born on February 13, 1929 to Thomas E. Morrison and Belle Guthrie Morrison. He married Anna Vincent Morrison and they had two children, Steve and David. Morrison enlisted in the Army on June 30, 1950.

Morrison became a Master Sergeant with Company C 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division.

He was a non-commissioned officer having distinguished himself on September 2, 1951 while leading his platoon in an assault against Heartbreak Ridge. Morrison continuously exposed himself to enemy fire in order to be able to direct his troops.

Morrison was also documented in helping one of his officers make it back to the first aid station after being wounded in the battle.

According to reports, Morrison refused to be evacuated and continued leading his platoon in spite of violent enemy fire until they were in consolidated positions on the seized objective.

Morrison said his platoon was completely surrounded for weeks by the North Korean troops during this time.

The Silver Star is awarded to an individual who distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism in an action against an enemy of the United States.

During the ceremony in the conference room Thursday, it was standing room only with Morrison the center of attention.

Local artist Norma Jean Anderson unveiled her new painting, which was a portrait of Morrison, to pay tribute to Clinton County’s most decorated soldier and hero of the Korean Conflict.

Anderson’s work will remain on display at the courthouse until the end of November.

During the ceremony, the Clinton County Fiscal Court also presented the local VFW Post 1096 with a $1,000 donation.

The Clinton County Fiscal Court presented the VFW Post 1096 Commander Jason Warriner with a donation of $1,000.