A Kentucky World War II veteran wounded fighting Nazi Germany has finally received one of the nation’s most solemn military honors after waiting more than eight decades. Glenn Fisher, a 99-year-old Army veteran, received the Purple Heart on Wednesday at Louisville’s Frazier History Museum.

Decades-Long Wait

Fisher enlisted in the Army in 1943 at just 16 years old after obtaining his parents’ permission. He later landed on Utah Beach in France and was wounded on March 25, 1945, while waiting to cross the Rhine River after German artillery struck his unit. Despite his injuries, Fisher’s records were never properly documented during the war, which delayed his receiving the Purple Heart.

With the help of his friend Jeff Thoke, who spent years researching Fisher’s military service and compiling historical records, Fisher was finally able to receive the recognition he deserved. Thoke said of Fisher, ‘He represents the best of America… He loves his country; he’s one of the most patriotic men.’

Fisher served with the Army’s 556th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Weapons Battalion and fought during the Battle of the Bulge before being wounded near the Rhine River in the closing months of World War II. He later met Soviet forces at the Elbe River one day before Victory in Europe Day and served as part of the official escort for President Harry S. Truman during Truman’s arrival in Antwerp, Belgium.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.