EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso veteran received his long-overdue Purple Heart medal in the mail. The Borderland community celebrated this honor with a ceremony Friday morning.

Jose Magdaleno was wounded in combat during the Vietnam War in 1968.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Lone Star Chapter 393 said many Vietnam veterans weren’t properly honored at the time. The Purple Heart medal symbolizes their courage, sacrifice and resilience.

“This is more about presenting a medal,” said the chapter’s commander, Roberto Garza. “It’s about honoring a man who sacrificed for his country and making sure his service is recognized the right way, in front of his family, fellow veterans and this community.”

At just 17 years old, Magdaleno volunteered for military service, quickly rising to the rank of staff sergeant.

But while serving overseas, Magdaleno was wounded in combat. The Purple Heart is awarded to U.S. service members wounded or killed in action against an enemy yet Magdaleno never received the honor he earned.

More than five decades later, that finally changed.

“Vindicated after 58 years. Really happy about that. And I finally got my Purple Heart,” Magdaleno said.

When Magdaleno’s son-in-law, retired Command Sgt. Maj. William Story, learned the medal had never been awarded, he decided to take action.

“I said, ‘What’s going on?’ Well, you know, I submitted, nothing ever happened,” Story said. “So I said, ‘Give me your paperwork. Give me all your evidence. I’ll see what I can do.’ When a soldier goes and fights for his country, the least you can do is give him what he deserves and what he earned.”

Story said the family was grateful for the support shown by the El Paso community.

“El Paso is a great community, supports their military veterans and our military members,” he said.

While thankful for the recognition, Magdaleno said he also wanted to honor those who never returned home.

“Let’s not forget the people who never made it back the men and women,” he said.

And for those still serving, Magdaleno offered a simple message:

“Not to give up.”