MUNCIE — A central Indiana veteran now wears a medal to recognize his sacrifice exactly 72 years after he was hurt fighting for our country.

Muncie resident and World War II veteran Junior Howell received the Purple Heart medal during a ceremony Wednesday morning, Sept. 21.

Howell was hit by shrapnel during the Battle of Peleliu in the Pacific on Sept. 21, 1944.

The award came after he reached out to Sen. Joe Donnelly, who says it was a great honor to help him receive this long overdue Purple Heart.

“We owe our deepest gratitude to Junior Howell and thank him for his sacrifice,” said Donnelly.

Veterans whose medals have been lost or destroyed can contact Donnelly’s office in Indianapolis at 317-226-5555 for assistance replacing them. Donnelly’s office may also be able to help veterans working to access medals they have earned.

Source: WTHR