LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A late World War II soldier finally received recognition for his heroic actions.
Almost 80 years after the war in France, Staff Sergeant Howard Reed was awarded several metals Monday, including a posthumous bronze star.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul presented the metals to Sgt. Reed's grandson, Councilman Scott Reed.
"We ought to do everything we can to give credibility to their service," he said.
The District 16 councilman shared some of his grandfather's last words written in a letter to his father.
"If I don't come to you, back home to you and your mother, just remember one thing that is your daddy loves his little family more than life," Scott read.
Howard died from battle wounds soon after in 1944. He was just a 23 year old who volunteered to be on the front lines.
"I could've stayed home and let the other men of this great nation do all the work, but I saw it as a good American to get into this battle of nations," he wrote in a letter.
"He was about country first, self second," Scott said. It's a value the late veteran hoped would be passed down through generations.
While Scott never got the chance to meet his grandfather, he says Monday's ceremony brought his family more than just honor. It gave them healing.
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