WWII Vet Finally Receives His Purple Heart

PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) - An 86-year-old former Marine finally has
his Purple Heart for being wounded at Iwo Jima during World War II.
Marine Corps Pfc. Johnny Smith's helmet was struck by a Japanese
bullet on that beach 63 years ago. The gunfire shredded his uniform
and sliced his face. Smith says he wasn't badly wounded, but a
corpsman told him that he'd get a Purple Heart.
Smith had to wait until Tuesday to receive it.
The Pensacola retiree noted his missing medal on his application
this summer for an Emerald Coast Honor Flight, which flies veterans
to see the National World War II Memorial. Florida Panhandle
Congressman Jeff Miller's staff saw the note and started the
paperwork needed to get Smith his medal.
Marine commanders presented Smith with his Purple Heart at the
Pensacola Naval Air Station.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)