Vietnam Veteran receives overdue Military Medals

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Dan McDowell served in the Marine Corp in the Vietnam War, a war where many Vets did not get a warm welcome home.

McDowell left the service five decades ago, but had not received his medals until Friday’s ceremony.

One of those is a Purple Heart medal given to people wounded in combat.

“Fortunately God has helped me not to have any post traumatic stress disorder. That’s one thing I am grateful for even though I did see a lot of combat,” McDowell said.

Many of McDowell’s friends and family watched him receive his medals, including many of his grandchildren.

“My family got to be here with me. That meant a lot to me,” McDowell said.