World War II Veteran Collects Bronze Star 75 Years After It Was Awarded

A veteran of World War II was presented with a Bronze Star medal for “meritorious achievement in active ground combat” on July 27, 75 years after he was unknowingly awarded it.

Ubaldo Joseph Ciniero, a US Army veteran, was presented with his medal at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, by Brigadier General Michael J Leeney of the 40th Infantry Division.

In this footage, Ciniero’s son Joel says: “I found his name on an 8th Armored Infantry Division website, and I noticed that he had been awarded the Bronze Star.”

Joel Ciniero said his father was unaware he had been awarded the medal. “We never got the opportunity to have a ceremony, so that’s why we’re here today,” the veteran’s son said.

According to the US military, the Bronze Star is awarded to someone who, while serving in the military, “distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.”

The 8th Armored Infantry Division served in the European theater of World War II. Credit: DVIDS via Storyful