Veteran receives Purple Heart 60 years after earned

MEADOWBROOK, Pa. (WPVI) -- A veteran from Northeast Philadelphia was honored for his bravery Monday.

The recognition comes more than 60 years after it was earned.

Relatives and members of the Chalfont VFW were on hand as William Ron Arpino received the Purple Heart.

The 82-year-old was wounded in an explosion while serving as an Army soldier in the Korean War.

At the time, Arpino turned down the honor because he did not want his mother to be notified about his injuries.

But on this day, he was happy to accept the award.

"I was very proud that I was able to do such a thing. I'm very proud for my family," Arpino said.

Arpino is being cared for at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook.

Doctors recently told him he had only weeks to live.

Because of the prognosis, a family friend advocated for Arpino to receive his long overdue medal.