A Binghamton resident finally received 6 well-deserved medals Wednesday afternoon.
James Wood served in the Army Air Force during World War 2. He completed 25 combat missions. In July of 1944, the B-24 Liberator Bomber that he was on got shot down over Hungary. Many of his fellow servicemen died in the crash. He was injured and taken to a prisoner of war camp for 10 months.
Wednesday, County Executive Debbie Preston and the Veterans Services Director presented Wood with the awards, including the Army Good Conduct and POW medals.
James Wood says, "Now that everything has come together now, it's kind of hard to put it in words, but I'm very glad to be receiving them at this late date."
Jim is one of the last POW survivors in Broome County. He turned 89 earlier this month. The County did give him a cake as well. The reason for the long delay for him receiving the honors is because at the time of Wood's discharge, the military issued ribbons not medals. As a result, when medals became available, often times veterans had to pursue them.
