WWII Vet to Receive Purple Heart 66 Years Later

A Purple Heart medal, and messages are seen on the official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, as the Christmas holiday decorations, whose theme is "Shine, Give, Share" were previewed. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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By Kara Kelly

Story Created: Dec 22, 2011 at 9:44 AM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 22, 2011 at 9:47 AM CDT

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A World War II Army veteran from Dubuque is set to receive his Purple Heart, Bronze Star and other service medals 66 years after he was honorably discharged from the military.

Zane Thorpe was told in his discharge papers that he was entitled to seven military medals. But Thorpe didn't receive them at the time because the Army said there was a shortage.

Thorpe's family approached U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley last month for assistance. Braley is scheduled to give Thorpe his medals in Dubuque on Thursday.

Thorpe enlisted in the Army in 1943 and deployed to Sicily. Thorpe's unit later moved on to France and Germany, where he was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.