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Army Veteran Receives Purple Heart, Bronze Star, And Prisoner Of War Medals 77 Years Late

After more than seven decades of waiting, U.S. Army veteran Sergeant Harold Nelson finally received the honors he earned in World War II — the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Prisoner of War Medal. The recognition came 77 years after his courageous service, delayed by administrative oversights and lost records from a time of chaos and global conflict.

Nelson, now 98, stood tall in a ceremony surrounded by family, fellow veterans, and military officials who acknowledged his bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. Captured by German forces in 1945 and held in a POW camp for months, he endured unspeakable hardship yet continued to serve with honor.

The medals, presented in a formal event at his hometown’s veterans’ hall, served not only as symbols of his personal sacrifice but also as a reminder of the many unsung heroes whose service has gone unrecognized. As the medals were pinned to his chest, a standing ovation broke out — a tribute long overdue but deeply deserved.

“I never thought this day would come,” Nelson said, tears in his eyes. “But I’m grateful to be here to see it.”

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