FREMONT, Calif., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- A California man said he spent 20 years trying to secure a Bronze Star for his grandfather for the 90-year-old man's daring feats during World War II.
Ron Cortez, 40, of San Jose, said his grandfather, Ralph Gonzales, of Fremont, has always been his hero, the Oakland Tribune reported Tuesday.
On Sept. 26, 1944, Gonzales, an Army private at the time, ran through jungle "as thick as a wall" for more than 100 yards so the Japanese would fire at him and thus give his platoon a better idea where the enemy was hiding.
"I don't know how I got out of there. They retreated, and so did we," Gonzales said.
A colonel, the top commander on the Solomon Islands at the time, awarded Gonzales a Letter of Commendation. But a general's signature was needed to get a medal, and none were stationed on the islands, the Tribune reported.
At the time, Gonzales, who received a Purple Heart after an injury in a later battle, did not care, the Tribune reported.
Friday, said after receiving the Bronze Star, the fourth-highest combat honor, he said:
"I'm glad I got it. I'm glad for what (my grandson) has done."
"I always wanted everyone to know this is what my grandpa did," Cortez said.
In 1989, Cortez started writing letters to the Army and legislators. State Rep. Pete Stark, D-Fremont, took an interest and kept the family apprised of the process.
