AUGUSTA — Area veterans and their families were honored with Maine gold and silver star honorable service medals Thursday for their actions and sacrifices.

The following veterans were recognized:

World War II Gold Star Honorable Service Medal Citation: Freeman E. Buzzell of Pittsfield was killed in action serving in the army in 1945; Pfc. Philip G. Cote of Dexter was in the army and listed as missing in action in 1944; Arthur E. Martin of Augusta was in the army air force and killed in action in 1944; Cpl. Brandon A. Nadeau of Waterville was a Marine killed in action in 1942.

Silver Star Honorable Service Medal Citation: Cpl. Joseph T. Charland of Waterville was a prisoner of war in Korea.

Honorable Service Certificate Citation: Cmdr. John F. Plummer of Augusta served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War; Norman P. Plummer of Augusta served in the Air Force and Navy in Korea and Vietnam.

The Maine silver star medals were given to veterans who are former prisoners of war or Purple Heart recipients. The gold medals are awarded for those killed in action. Honorable service certificates were presented to those who served during wartime.

Gov. Paul LePage and Maj. Gen. John William Libby made the presentations at the State House.