Decades after earning them, Henry A. Johnson finally presented Purple Heart, Bronze Star,
and six other medals he never received
Cedar Falls, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today traveled to Cedar Falls to present seven military service medals - including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star - to Henry A. Johnson, 93, a World War II Army veteran who earned the medals but never received them after he was wounded in Italy during the war.
In discharge papers, the Army told Johnson he was awarded the medals, but they were never given to him. Johnson recently approached Braley's office for assistance in finally obtaining the medals - decades after they were granted.
"On behalf of the American people, I want to thank Henry Johnson for his service to our country," Braley said. "His sacrifice and the sacrifices of millions of others paved the way for decades of American freedom and prosperity. Six decades is a long time to wait for such an honor, but I'm proud to stand with Henry today and present him these distinguished medals. Henry is more than deserving of our gratitude for his honorable service."
Braley presented Johnson the following medals for his service in World War II: the Bronze Star; the Purple Heart; the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; the World War II Victory Medal; the Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award; and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.
Johnson was stationed in Italy as an Army telephone switchboard operator during World War II. Johnson was wounded and spent time in a Chicago hospital before being discharged. Johnson worked for the Carnation Company in Waverly for 30 years before retiring.
It is thought that thousands of World War II veterans have never received medals they earned due to shortages in materials after the war.
After getting a request for assistance from Johnson, Braley's office worked with the National Personnel Records Center to obtain the medals. Braley's office is well-equipped to help veterans who have lost medals, never received them, or who have had them destroyed due to natural disaster, fire or other circumstances. Veterans seeking assistance should contact Braley's Waterloo office at (319) 287-3233.
Braley is a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and is the top-ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
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