Decorated WWII veteran finally gets recognized

Tower City, ND (WDAY TV) - In Tower City, North Dakota, they will be celebrating tomorrow night. Main Street will host a special ceremony 67-years in the making. A World War II veteran who earned top honors in the military, but never received them, now will be recognized. The story from WDAY 6 Reporter Kevin Wallevand.

He is a farmer, handyman, and soon to be decorated world war two veteran. Hank went into the service in 1941. Sent to the front lines of North Africa, he and the Red Bull Infantry taking on Rommel, he remembers fighting without food for days.

“I lived on life savers for three weeks. That is what I was living on.”

For his service, Hank was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart and more, but he never got the medals. Tomorrow night a thankful country will finally get them to him.

“It is nice to get I guess they say everyone deserves it I don’t deserve it any more than anyone else.”

Friends say the 91-year old vet has always been quiet about his service to country. It’s time to honor humble Hank and thank him for what he did nearly 7-decades ago.

Besides the Purple Heart and Silver Star, Hank will receive 8-other awards.

Tags: reporter stories, kevin wallevand, tower city, news, military