Marine gets Purple Heart, 63 years late
PENSACOLA (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.