Battle of Okinawa Veteran Receives Purple Heart
Anthony “Tony” Procassini, a 98-year-old World War II Veteran, receives his purple heart for being wounded in combat during World War II. (Marine Corps Times)
Anthony “Tony” Procassini, 98 years old, received a purple heart for being wounded in Combat during World War II. He’s a veteran of the Battle of Okinawa. He submitted paperwork to receive the Purple Heart after the war. He didn’t receive the Purple Heart from that effort. Instead, he moved on.
A few years ago, those close to him encouraged him to make another attempt. He did just that. However, there were delays, and he ended up receiving help to help speed the process.
From the Marine Corps Times:
The Marine Corps veteran had submitted paperwork for his Purple Heart when World War II concluded. When it never came, he continued with his life until a few years ago when family inspired him to file paperwork, MLive reported.
But there were still delays. Procassini and other World War II veterans reached out to then-Marine Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller, a Michigan native, who helped expedite the bureaucratic process, according to the Detroit Free Press.
You could read more here.
Category: Marines, Veterans in the news
Long overdue. Semper Fi.
This is not an unusual thing within the Crotch. Unless one is an officer, awards are often blown off, downgraded, or ignored as a matter of course. One of our less illustrious traditions over the last 243 years. The best stimulator is bad publicity, which the Green Machine fears greatly.
Wonder how long after the fact did he start the process? And how long after he started the process did it take? And finally, did the congress critters in attendance do him any good in the process or were they there for the photo op? Did I miss this in the article or do we need Sister Mary Grace for some schooling?
BZ & Semper Fi Marine. Glad you finally got what you earned.
75 years is a long time to be on back order.
FSN/NSN 8455-00-269-5757 Decoration Set, Purple Heart
One each USMC Supply Sergeant with a requisition chit and a working ink pen.
Some assembly required.
Easy Peasy, Congress Critters need not be involved.
Semper Fi on finally receiving the actual medal itself.