VIBORG, SD (KTIV) -
The military awards its service members with medals for their heroism, bravery, and sacrifice.
But while many recipients are veterans of recent wars, one veteran got his medal almost 70 years after he last saw combat.
The seats were filled in the dining room of the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg, South Dakota as folks gathered to celebrate the man of the hour, Joe Alvestad.
A World War II Veteran, Private First Class Joe Alvestad served in the European theater. But while serving his country, Alvestad was shot in the arm and leg. So much so he was medically discharged.
"So the frontline people, like the infantrymen, who really saw and took the brunt of the combat," said State Senator Eldon Nygaard (D) Vermillion, South Dakota.
A fire at a military records facility in St. Louis in the 1970's burned up Alvestad's heroic records. The only record of his service that survived was in Alvestad's lock box. Now almost 7 decades after last seeing combat and a little help from personal friend Senator Nygaard, Alvestad received his Bronze Star.
"So I was glad I could surprise him today and give him a bright ray of worth. Because its men like him that help preserve our freedoms in this great country," said Sen. Nygaard.
"This is to certify that the President of the United States of America has awarded the Bronze Star Medal to Private First Class Joseph C Alvestad," said LTC Tom Martin, US Army.
"But it is humbling when you get that opportunity to present something like this that is long overdue to a fellow brother in arms," said LTC Martin.
"Very moving," said Sen. Nygaard.
Lieutenant Colonel Tom Martin, who also has a Bronze Star, can relate to what Alvestad is feeling.
"You will find that most soldiers are probably very humble and he probably figures what I did wasn't that great compared to what the people around me did," said LTC Martin.
"I'm going to have to sleep on this. Sleep on it? Yup. We'll put it up in your room," said Joe Alvestad and his nurse.
In addition to the Bronze Star, Alvestad also has earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the World War Two Medal, and the Purple Heart.
