After waiting more than 55 years, a Massachusetts veteran finally received the recognition he deserves.
A special ceremony was held in Haverhill Saturday afternoon honoring former U.S. Marine Pvt. Kevin Gilbert Alder.
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In July of 1968, his unit was patrolling the jungles of Vietnam when they set off a hidden explosive. Three Marines were killed and 21 hurt, including Alder, who suffered injuries to his back and shrapnel wounds to his hand.
He was later awarded a Purple Heart for what happened that day, but he didn’t receive the physical award until now.
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“It means a lot to me. It’s something that I should have received back in ‘68, and it’s just nice to receive it today,” Alder said with a chuckle.
Alder didn’t get his medal sooner because of what happened shortly after the explosion. When the Marines were being airlifted to a field hospital, their helicopter came under enemy attack. They survived, but Alder was ultimately separated from his unit and command.
