Alfred Bettencourt, now 89, was recently recognized for service he did as an 18-year-old soldier fighting in World War II. The Cranston, Rhode Island, native was given a long-overdue Purple Heart Award, in addition to a Bronze Star Medal and World War II Victory Medal, for heroic actions he performed on Dec. 12, 1944, when he was wounded in combat, reported Cranston Patch.
According to Military Times, the recognition was severely delayed due to a 1973 fire that destroyed Bettencourt's military records. The former servicemember's family, along with local police and firefighters who had heard the soldier's story, partnered with U.S. Senator Jack Reed to recover these files.
Once they got the official word that Bettencourt would be able to receive the awards, his supporters planned a surprise event at the Morgan Health Center in Johnston, Rhode Island, where the vet resides in his life after service. Many local officials attended the ceremony, including Cranston's mayor Allan W. Fung, to show their respect for Bettencourt's immense sacrifices, noted Cranston Patch.
"Alfred was just a teenager when he was wounded in combat. On behalf of a grateful nation, today we honor his service with a token of our enduring gratitude and respect," Senator Reed said as he gave the medals to Bettencourt.