Bakersfield, CA: Local U.S. Army Veteran Honored

From KERO 23 (Bakersfield) : Local U.S. Army Veteran Honored
Veteran has finally received recognition for his years of military service. The Army veteran was denied medals because his records were lost.

Bruce Murray was denied service medals because there was no record of his service because of a fire at the National Personal Record Center.

U.S. Rep. Jim Costa has been appealing the case and Friday Murray was officially honored. Murray was surprised as he entered the Veterans Hall because he was unaware that the ceremony was for him.

"Then you see all these people and you know all these people and you think what are they doing here and then it hit me,” said Bruce Murray, a U.S Army veteran.

Costa presented Murray with medals honoring his service during the Korean War.

"Well it's an exciting day for me I think all of us in Kern County, who know and love Bruce Murray. He reflects what is the best and brightest of American men and women who've served our nation" said Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno.

Murray was surrounded by friends and family who all said it was a recognition long overdue.

"There isn’t anybody in the world that is more deserving than my daddy for these awards," said Beverly Camp, daughter.

For more than a year, Costa has been appealing this case to the Department of the Army to guarantee Murray receives the honors he earned for his service. The fight to get the medals was filled with many roadblocks.

"We were determined through every bit of evidence we could bring together. Testimony to ensure to the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration that Bruce Murray had earned these metals," said Costa.

It was a victorious day for Costa, a day of recognition for Murray and a proud moment for his family.

"We are so excited, on behalf of my whole family, we are so terribly excited. It's been two years in the making to get these medals for him and this is one of the happiest days of my life," said Camp.

Murray served from 1952 to 1955 in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home he continued to serve his community, including being an official at the Veterans of Foreign Wars.