WWII Veteran Receives Purple Heart After 81-Year Wait

A Kentucky World War II veteran named Glenn Fisher has been awarded the Purple Heart, a significant military honor, more than eight decades after being wounded while fighting Nazi Germany. This comes before his upcoming 100th birthday.

Fisher, who is now 99, received the medal during a ceremony at Louisville’s Frazier History Museum. Reflecting on the event, he shared his excitement and disbelief, saying, “I’ve been so excited, I haven’t been able to sleep at night thinking about what a wonderful thing is happening.”

The Purple Heart is given to U.S. service members who have been wounded or killed by enemy action. Fisher’s recognition follows a long struggle to have his wartime injuries acknowledged. His journey was highlighted by media reports, including WHAS11, which first shared his story in March.

Enlisting in the Army at age 16 with parental consent in 1943, Fisher landed on Utah Beach, France, and sustained injuries from German artillery on March 25, 1945, while preparing to cross the Rhine River. He recounted how his injuries were not documented properly during the war, leading to years of pursuing the award unsuccessfully.

Despite initial setbacks where the Army could not verify sufficient evidence for the medal, Fisher remained determined. With the help of his friend Jeff Thoke, who extensively researched Fisher’s military history, they compiled records to support his case. Thoke expressed admiration, saying, “He represents the best of America. We can’t thank him enough for all that he has done. He loves his country; he’s one of the most patriotic men.”

Fisher served in the Army’s 556th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Weapons Battalion, participating in significant battles such as the Battle of the Bulge, and later rejoining his unit weeks after his injuries. He eventually met Soviet forces at the Elbe River, participated in the official escort for President Harry S. Truman in Antwerp, Belgium, and then returned home.

The recent ceremony marked the culmination of Fisher’s decades-long quest for recognition. “It’s really true,” Fisher remarked, reflecting on finally receiving the Purple Heart.

Fox News Digital has attempted to contact the U.S. Army for more details regarding Fisher’s decoration but has not yet received a response.