Several of Lawmakers in Inquiry Are Decorated Combat Veterans

Unlike Lt. Col. Oliver L. North, they do not wear uniforms with military decorations, but several members of the congressional committees investigating the Iran- contra affair have won awards for war duty.

During Wednesday’s questioning of North, Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), chairman of the Senate committee investigating the scandal, wore on his lapel a small insignia of the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest award for valor. He won it during World War II, when he lost his right arm.

North, a recipient of the Silver Star, was wounded twice in Vietnam but was not disabled.

Among other senators on the committee, Warren B. Rudman (R-N.H.) and Howell Heflin (D-Ala.) also have won combat awards.

Rudman, a company commander with the 38th Infantry of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Army, won the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for actions against Chinese forces during the Korean War. Heflin won the Silver Star for his service in World War II as a lieutenant in the Marine Corps in the Pacific theater, where he was wounded twice but not disabled.

Among House members, Reps. Peter W. Rodino Jr. (D-N.J.) and Henry J. Hyde (R-Ill.) also received awards for service during World War II.

Rodino, a captain of the 1st Armored Division of the Army, won a Bronze Star for his service in North Africa and Italy. Hyde was awarded a Silver Star for his combat duty with the U.S. Naval Reserve in the Pacific Ocean.