Danielson, CT. — A 99-year-old World War II veteran received long-overdue medals from his service to the country.
Fred Carlage, of Woodstock, received his honors at the Killingly Community Center in Danielson on Tuesday.
Carlage served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945 and flew 47 combat missions as first lieutenant/navigator on B-24 liberators in the Pacific Theater.
During his service, officials said he earned the World War II Victory Medal and the World War II Lapel button, but never actually received them.
“Mr. Carlage courageously served his country with distinction-long ago earning medals and honors that he never fully received,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal. “Although we can never fully repay him for his heroism and sacrifice, these medals are one small way to say thank you.”
Carlage also earned the Air Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
He previously received those decorations, officials said.
Carlage’s ceremony will take place at a veterans’ coffeehouse, which is sponsored by the Thames Valley Council on Community Action’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
The coffeehouse is a place where veterans can connect with each other and discuss their needs.
Blumenthal was presented the medals at 9:30 a.m. by Blumenthal.