MUSCATINE, Iowa — Keith Ormsby, a Muscatine native, was injured while loading a helicopter in the jungles of Vietnam. More than 54 years later, his sacrifice is finally being recognized.
"He didn't receive his purple heart after he was injured because his injuries were so bad, the landing zone was in peril, that they immediately air-flighted him out to get medical care," Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks said.
Ormsby was drafted into the military during the Vietnam War.
"Back in 1969, when I was in the Vietnam conflict, I got an injury and never received an award," Ormsby said.
Finally, over half a century later on the Fourth of July, Ormsby received his Purple Heart and his Air Medal, along with letters of recognition from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sen. Chuck Grassley.
"Really puts a cap on my military service," Ormsby said.
"Though more than five decades have passed since the day you were wounded in action in Vietnam, your service has not gone unnoticed nor unappreciated," Miller-Meeks said.
Ormsby said he's grateful to Muscatine County Veteran Affairs, who helped him submit the application for his Purple Heart.
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