It took more than 40 years, but one Vietnam War veteran has finally received the awards he earned.
Marine Cpl. Cleveland King Jr., surrounded by family, friends and fellow service members, was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star with "V" device, two Purple Hearts and the Combat Action Ribbon for actions in Vietnam in March 1969 during a ceremony at the Huntsville Marine Reserve Center on March 31.
"It's been a long time," King said. "But this means don't ever give up, because it's never too late."
King earned the medals in 1969, but he did not know about it. He said lost paperwork might be the reason no one ever contacted him. He learned of the awards when Byron Moore -- the son-in-law of one of King's platoon mates -- called him to congratulate him on having received the Silver Star.
King, however, is very humble about all the fuss.
"I'm not a hero," King said. "I was just doing my job, because I took the Marine Corps seriously. I think my officers and gunny sergeants would be proud of me."
His wife, Libby, definitely is proud.
"I'm so excited for him! Overwhelmed," she said. "This is such a great thing for him. It's really lifting his spirits up."
King served in Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam as a mortarman and held a billet as a radio operator.
The 64-year-old King was born in Oconee, Ga., but grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. His decorations and awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Mast and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
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