7 Decades Later WWII Vet Is Awarded Medals He Never Knew He Earned From Battle

Jun 14, 2019 by apost team

Raymond Chambers lived for years not realizing he was hero. 

Congresswoman Kathy Castor spoke to the Tampa Bay Times about Chambers, who is now 93-years-old, and his service to our country. During World War II, Chambers served as Special Forces in the Navy. He fought during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Cast said, “During this brutal battle that went on for weeks Mr. Chambers was actually shot in the leg, but he's a tough guy and at that time when the doctors looked at him, he said he was fine and he kept on fighting. He kept on serving.” 

Chambers returned home to Michigan in 1946 without any kind of medal. After the war, he focused on much happier things. He sold ice cream with a traveling carnival and met the love of his life. He told the Tampa Bay Times that he's lived a “wonderful” life.

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Chambers also said that while he did speak about the war, he didn’t like to talk about the violence and death he had witnessed. Mary Chambers, his wife, said that he simply wanted to move on with his life. He also considered himself to be unscathed from the war. He didn’t look back on his time as anything special. However, one appointment with his doctor, more than six decades later, changed his mind.

Chambers was having trouble with leg pain- the same leg that had gotten shot during the war. After further examination, the doctor found that shrapnel had been embedded in his leg. That meant that Chambers actually experienced a battle wound, even if he had ignored the issue for many years.

Timothy Jay Reed, a Marine veteran, met Chambers at the Tampa hospital. He knew that his new friend deserved to receive recognition for his injury, no matter how old.

The Department of Defense granted Chamber his awards ten years later. The ceremony was held at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library. His wife, kids, and grandkids were all there to see Chambers accept his long-awaited awards.

Chambers was given the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. He also received two Bronze Stars and the Combat Action Ribbon

Chambers then pulled out his harmonica and played “God Bless America.” You can watch the wonderful video below:

We thank you for your service to this country, Mr. Chambers!

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