AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci on Thursday presented the Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal to Maine veterans who served in World War II and those who were prisoners of war or Purple Heart recipients.

"You are a proud legacy of service, and know all too well the meaning of sacrifice," Baldacci said in a statement. "We honor you and your commitment today with these medals. The men and women who serve in the military are all heroes."

Here is who was honored in a Statehouse ceremony:

*POWs: Ralph S. Burckes, Thomaston, Army Air Corps; Emilien A. Levesque, Farmingdale, Army; Frank E. Sidelinger, Damariscotta, Army

* Purple Heart recipients: Leslie D. Ames, South China, Army; Philip A. Collins, Gardiner, Marine Corps; Warren G. Enos, Livermore, Army; Hubert B. Goggin, Pittston, Army; Ernest O. Jones, Brunswick, Army; Rolland O. Madore, Lewiston, Marine Corps; Austin L. Priest, Greene, Army; Robert F. Russell, Augusta, Army Air Corps; Joseph R. Sciaraffa, Rumford, Marine Corps; William A. Shea, Randolph, Army; Erland N. Tucker, Poland, Army; Robert E. Warner, Vassalboro, Army; Richard S. Weeks, Randolph, Marine Corps.

The following individuals were honored, but were unable to be at the Statehouse in person:

* POWs: Alvin C. Flint, Harrison, Army; Ernest A. Henderson, Winthrop, Army Air Corps; Harry I. Scott, Winthrop, Army; John H. Tourtillotte, Boothbay Harbor, Army.

* Purple Heart recipients: Roland J. Boucher, Sidney, Marine; Clifton L. Glidden, Vassalboro, Army; Elmore E. Morgan, West Gardiner, Army.