WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - A 92-year-old military veteran has gotten long-overdue medals he earned for serving in the Navy during World War II.
Rhode Island's U.S. Sen. Jack Reed presented Frank Poli with several awards Tuesday in the military lounge at T.F. Green Airport. The awards include the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal.
Poli was honored for his "exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity" while on active duty.
Reed is a former Army Ranger. He says it's important to remind veterans their sacrifices haven't been forgotten.
Poli lives in Providence. He was 21 years old when he enlisted in 1942.
A spokesman for Reed says delays aren't uncommon because veterans often returned from war and didn't seek recognition, or the paperwork was lost.