World War II veteran gets his Bronze Star – 68 years later
A member of the Greatest Generation finally has the Bronze Star medal he earned the Battle of the Bulge more than half a century ago.
In a brief, but touching ceremony at the US Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton on July 25, Eugene Gagliardi, an 87-year-old World War II veteran, was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroics and endurance in that famous battle long ago. The medal, which is awarded to a soldier for acts of heroism and meritorious service in a combat zone, was given to him 68 years after his honorable discharge from the army.
The Battle of the Bulge took place in France over a three week period in December of 1944.