CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A Vietnam War veteran has received the medal he earned, five decades after the war ended. Dan McDowell served in the Marine Corps and finally received his medals last Friday, during a ceremony at the Indian Creek Nature Area auditorium in Cedar Rapids. KCRG reports one of his awards was the Purple Heart, for being wounded in combat. His wife, children and grandchildren attended the ceremony.

Dan McDowell said he was grateful he did not suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), like so many veterans of war have, despite the intensity of combat. He said he was grateful his family was able to be with him when he was presented with his medals.