Larry Olson waited a long time for the recognition he deserves for being wounded in the line of duty. Olson served in 1969 and 1970 in the 120th Assault Helicopter Division in Vietnam. A door gunner, Olson was injured at the age of 26 when a convoy of armored vehicles his unit was accompanying came under enemy fire.

In the attack, a tank below thehelicopter Olson was traveling in was blown up by a B-40 rocket. Olson was injured in the leg by flying shrapnel from the resulting explosion. He continued to work, helping evacuate wounded, until his Captain ordered him to stay behind for treatment.

Olson was given his due Friday in a ceremony at the Chesterton American Legion Post.

With a crowd of friends, family and well wishers looking on, Olson was pinned with the prestigious Purple Heart.

"You are receiving the recognition you deserve," said Kurtis F. Moore, liaison for Military and Veteran Affairs for Congressman Steve Buyer's office.

Moore said delays in issuance of earned Purple Heart awards have many causes, from lost records, to oversight to simple bureaucratic delays. He said he was happy to work on such an "easy and clear cut case."

"You went out there and served your country. You've earned your right to wear a Purple Heart," he added.

Olson for his part was humble. "I just hope I kept a few names from being added to that Wall in Washington, D.C.," he said.