Cranston Man Injured in WWII Gets Long Overdue Medals

An 89-year-old Cranston man who was wounded in combat in 1944 in France during World War II got his long overdue military honors today including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and other medals and decorations.

The Monday ceremony was led by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and included his family, neighbors, friends and state and local officials.

Private First Class Alfred Bettencourt was 18-years-young when he was wounded in combat on Dec. 12.

Bettencourt’s records were destroyed in a fire in 1973 and Sen. Reed’s office worked with the veteran to get the medals he earned during his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.

“It is an honor to present Mr. Bettencourt with his military awards. Mr. Bettencourt is a member of the Greatest Generation, and he exemplifies the courage and extraordinary selflessness that is emblematic of our World War II veterans. Alfred was just a teenager when he was wounded in combat. On behalf of a grateful nation, today we honor his service with a token of our enduring gratitude and respect,” said Reed, a former Army Ranger and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The ceremony honoring Bettencourt was held at Morgan Health Center in Johnston before a crowd of well wishers that included Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung, fire and police officials and other local dignitaries.