Vietnam vet gets Purple Heart years later

FARMINGTON, Utah, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A Vietnam War veteran in Utah says he got his Purple Heart 42 years after being wounded, thanks to his son's efforts in pursuing the award.

Allen Malo of Farmington was wounded when his fuel truck struck a land mine, Salt Lake City's Desert News reported Tuesday.

"It was just one of those things. We were in the height of war. Paperwork gets messed up, and there's confusion," Malo said.

His son, Jeff, a 21-year-old Utah National Guard member, wanted his father to be formally recognized, even if it did happen a long time ago, the newspaper said.

After much effort, Malo received the medal in a ceremony in the Utah state Capitol rotunda.

"I am so excited and proud of my son, my family, for pursuing this," Malo said.

The medal presentation took place during Utah's third annual "Wreaths Across America" program and a Pearl Harbor observance.

A wreath adorned with flags representing all military branches was blessed and will hang at the Capitol in memory of the fallen military men and women, prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action and those serving in combat.

Thirty-nine states hosted similar events in a program begun 16 years ago. Patriot Guard riders will escort 120,000 of the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery this month.