Hometown Hero Honored with Bronze Star and Purple Heart
By: Jackie Kingston
Updated: March 12, 2013
PAMPA -- A Hometown Hero is given awards that are long overdue.
Private First Class Joe Hernandez was presented with both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
He served in WWII.
During his time overseas, Hernandez was hit in the leg by a piece of shrapnel -- which he still carries around to this day, because doctors weren't able to remove it.
Another thing he carries with him, is gratitude to be alive and to the servicemen and women who were not as lucky.
"We all did what we were supposed to do, and that's one reason why some of us came out, and some of us didn't," Hernandez said, "But I'm proud of them."
This was the third time they tried to present them to Hernandez, it was delayed twice because of the weather.
Private First Class Joe Hernandez was presented with both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
He served in WWII.
During his time overseas, Hernandez was hit in the leg by a piece of shrapnel -- which he still carries around to this day, because doctors weren't able to remove it.
Another thing he carries with him, is gratitude to be alive and to the servicemen and women who were not as lucky.
"We all did what we were supposed to do, and that's one reason why some of us came out, and some of us didn't," Hernandez said, "But I'm proud of them."
This was the third time they tried to present them to Hernandez, it was delayed twice because of the weather.
