It has been 60 years but Milton Sittingdown of Ellinwood, Kansas has finally received his Purple Heart.
Sittingdown was drafted into the army in 1951 during the Korean War. "I enjoyed the service. I didn't want to go but my dad told me to make the best of it so that's what I went over to do." Says Sittingdown.
Milton was injured in his first year of service by what he believes was a concussion grenade. "The only thing I remember is that I hear a snap, I didn't follow rules and regulations when I hear that snap I should have fallen to the ground, but I didn't because I turned and looked, I knew I had guys behind me and then it went off, sort of a blast."
Milton says he received threatment and continued serving until 1953 and that he was told he should get a Purple Heart, but after he finished his service, he had other priorities.
"I was just busy. Working, raising five kids, you didn't have much time."
When his American Legion Adjutant John Isern learned that Milton was missing his Purple Heart he decided to help out.
"He is a real gentleman and a veteran that has served his country," Says Isern. "I think the Purple Heart is very indicative of that. It is just and honor to help him receive the purple heart that he deserves."
