A 94-year-old Korean War veteran in Kansas has finally received his Purple Heart over 70 years after his service from 1951 to 1953. Although Rex Comley’s military paperwork listed him as a recipient, he never received the physical medal due to what supporters believe was a clerical error during the war.
The oversight came to light during a conversation with Don Puchalla, a chaplain with the Lenexa Marine Corps League, who encouraged efforts to correct the mistake. With the backing of several veterans organizations, Comley was recently presented with the medal at a ceremony attended by family and fellow veterans.
During the event, the vet reflected on those he served with who didn’t return home and said he had lived a good life. His grandson, Shaun Comley, a retired Air Force veteran, said seeing his grandfather receive the recognition meant a great deal to their family.
Source: KSHB
photo: GETTY