Philly WWII Vet Receives Belated Honors

He was never awarded the medals he deserved from the Navy

A local World War II veteran has finally received the medals he earned for his Navy service nearly 70 years ago.
 
Horsham resident Walter Czerviski is now 91 years old. He received several belated honors at a ceremony Friday, including the World War II Victory Medal and Combat Action ribbon.

"I never thought it would come, I'm glad I'm still here," said Czerviski, according to the Intelligencer of Doylestown.
 
Czerviski served aboard vessels in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. When he was discharged from the Navy, he was given a card listing the awards he earned -- but he never received them.
 
Czerviski's wife Jackie recently began pursuing the matter with local lawmakers. Eventually, Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey was able to obtain the medals.

The paper reports a short but emotional ceremony was held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Willosw Grove.

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