Long Island World War II Veteran Receives Long Overdue Medals

Last Updated on Thursday, 09 February 2012 19:46 Written by CBS New York Thursday, 09 February 2012 13:36

Stanley Rosenfeld receives his long overdue medals.(Credit:CBS2)

World War II ended nearly seven decades ago, but on Monday Stanley Rosenfeld got a long overdue thank you.

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Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy presented 89-year-old Rosenfeld of Hewlett with seven medals, including three bronze service stars for active battles.

Like so many others Rosenfeld returned from World War II anxious to get on with what he had missed.

“Get a job, get married, and get on with my life,” he said.

“The medal didn’t mean anything to them at that point,” added Rep. McCarthy.

Rosenfeld had survived three serious Pacific battles. In one, his troop ship was being fired on by kamikaze pilots and he was ordered to man a two-man gun alone.

Esther Bogei, Rosenfeld’s partner, described the incident.

“He asked ‘what do I do?’ Aim and fire, aim and fire, and he did,” Bogei said.

Rosenfeldlost much of his hearing in battle, but returned with more than many others — his life.

Years later it took a magnifying glass to old yellowed discharge papers to discover that he was entitled to a host of medals, but by then his records had been destroyed in an Army fire.

Members of Congress have been vouching for veterans like Rosenfeld.

“These people did serve in the military. They are deserving of the medals,” Rep. McCarthy said.

Now, in their twilight years, World War II veterans like Rosenfeld realize that their war medals, which have no monetary worth, may just be their most valued possession.

“I’m very proud of my father. He’s been a terrific father, and a great role model,” said his daughter, Lynda Rosenfeld.

Congresswoman McCarthy said that we are quickly losing our World War II veterans.