Elgin War Veteran Gets Medals He Earned 73 Years Ago

ELGIN, IL -- A 92-year-old Elgin man finally received the medals awarded to him during World War II. Eugene Termini had been trying for years to track the medals down, which for unknown reasons were never given to him after he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946, according to the Daily Herald. He mentioned this to Vines Senior Homes activity director Cathy Vaden and she sprung into action, got in touch with the right officials and was able to ensure his medals were shipped to her.

In a special ceremony Sunday at Vines Senior Home, family and friends watched as an American Legion Elgin Post 57 member presented Termini with his awards, which included, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, a Coast Guard Honorable Discharge pin and an Honorable Service Lapel Button, the Daily Herald reports.

Termini's son, Mark Termini, said his father never asks for favors, which made Sunday's ceremony all the more special. Termini has six children, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. His wife of 62 years, Rose, has died, according to ABC 7.

"He's been a rock for all of us," Mark Termini told the Daily Herald. "I'm very proud. He's always been my hero."

Termini, who served in the Coast Guard when he was 17 and 18, was very touched by Sunday's ceremony.

"I never dreamed it would be like this," Termini told ABC 7.

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