Braintree WWII Veteran Finally Receives Purple Heart After 75 Years

MALDEN, MA — A World War II veteran and longtime Stop & Shop employee was honored Saturday in Malden. Seventy-five years after Louis San Miguel was hit in the shoulder by shrapnel while fighting in the U.S Army in Europe, he’s finally receiving a Purple Heart.

San Miguel survived and came home to raise a family in Braintree. He’s 95 years old now.

He’s made several attempts over the years to get a Purple Heart, but his service records were destroyed in a fire. His family never game up though, and he was finally awarded one at a Boston veterans’ function.

“I’m just overwhelmed. People are so wonderful, and I hope all the other veterans feel the same as I do right now,” San Miguel said. “I have to cry I’m sorry. It’s been worth it. I was so proud to serve our country.”

Read more at CBS Boston