70 years later, Toledo man receives Purple Coronary heart

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Better late than never. A Toledo man finally receives his Purple Heart after being wounded in the Korean War.

We told you about Clarence Didion and its story in February. After some digging, all the parts came together for the long-earned honor.

On Wednesday he officially became Purple Heart recipient Clarence A. Didion.

“Get the bars. I can’t believe it, ”said Didion.

Didion received the award in 1951 when he was stationed at a Korean outpost and was injured by an enemy grenade. He was hit by splinters that were never removed because of their proximity to some nerves.

He was taken to Japan for treatment. The people here in Toledo heard about the injuries documented in a 1951 Toledo Blade article. Now the whole country knows about this prestigious award.

“I do not sleep. I often dream about this place, Korea. It’s hard to believe that you can still remember what’s going on, ”said Didion.

It turned out that Didion was actually awarded a Purple Heart at the hospital in Japan, but he was never told and never received the actual award.

Didion was sent back to the States for another assignment but was instead sent home because of his injury.

Congressman Marcy Kaptur’s staff have been looking into his case for the past few weeks. Eventually they found his military release form that listed that Purple Heart Award.

“Hard to believe, hard to believe,” said Didion.

“I feel honored and proud and happy that he got it after all these years,” said Didion’s friend Cindy Kirk.

13abc heard about this story from Kirk, who runs an organization that brings meals to the people who need them. She listened to Didion’s story and spoke.

“It was necessary. He’s a veteran. Anyone who needs something just speaks, I’ve seen the tears in their eyes and the pain, ”Kirk said.

They are now tears of joy as he proudly shows what he deserves, even if it’s 70 years too late. “I am not disappointed. Not now, ”Didion said.

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