Former Marine gets award after 40 years
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Apr 17, 2009 19:57:17 EDT

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A former Marine injured on a bloody hilltop in Vietnam 40 years ago will finally receive his Purple Heart.

Richard Green of Pelham will be presented with the Purple Heart in a 10 a.m. ceremony Saturday at American Legion Post 171 in Birmingham.

Green suffered shrapnel wounds to his left leg and foot on June 6, 1967 when he was among about 17 Marines at a radio relay station near the border of South Vietnam and North Vietnam. The Marines were attacked by more than 100 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops.

Green said he did not apply for the Purple Heart for years until receiving some prodding from his battle buddies at a reunion several years ago.

Ellie