99-year-old World War II veteran awarded Purple Heart 81 years after being wounded in action

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) - After decades of red tape following a clerical error, a 99-year-old World War II veteran received his Purple Heart on Wednesday, 81 years after he was wounded in action.

Glenn Fisher of Bedford, Kentucky, was awarded the medal during a ceremony at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum in Louisville. The presentation was made by a representative of the U.S. Army Awards and Decorations Branch at Fort Knox.

Fisher entered the Army in 1943 at 16. He landed on Utah Beach in France in September 1944 and later served on the front lines in the Netherlands, where he saw his first combat.

He was wounded March 25, 1945, while waiting to cross the Rhine River.

Fisher was treated at an evacuation hospital before returning to his unit to finish the war.

Organizers said a recording error created obstacles in the decades-long effort to secure the award.

During a news conference in March, Fisher shared his hope of receiving the Purple Heart before turning 100 on Oct. 10.