LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- A 91-year-old marine veteran has finally received his Purple Heart after 65 years.
Edsel Smith served in World War II and the Korean War. In 1950, he was shot in the leg after being surrounded by enemy soldiers.
The medic treating recommended him for a Purple Heart, and when he arrived for "sick call,” Smith saw soldiers who were a lot worse off and decided to skip it.
But he finally got his medal on Tuesday and he says it's been an emotional process.
“Very emotional. Very emotional. I can't, I can't. You can ask Wanda, I start telling about it and I have to quit. I just get choked up down here and start crying.”
Representative French Hill had the honor of presenting Smith with his medal.
