Vietnam veteran based out of Fort Hood receives Purple Heart and other medals after 40 years

Efram Ramirez

It is never too late for recognition by the military - at least not for one individual. Forty years after being injured in Vietnam Irey Weeks, who was based out of Fort Hood, received a Purple Heart amongst other awards.

At a ceremony at Port Saint Joe City Hall, retired General James Simmons presented Weeks with the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defese Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, reports The News Herald.

The distinctions came after Weeks, who worked as a retired brick mason, was doing some work on Simmons' home.

Specialist Weeks's unit, U.S. Amry Company E, 5th Battalion, 7th Calvary, 1st Calvary Division was involved in an intense battle against North Vietnamese forces on May 4, 1970, reports the news source. Weeks suffered from a gunshot wound to the head, that was so severe, his unit thought he was dead.

It wasn't until Weeks' grandson, Jordan, asked about his medals that Weeks asked Simmons how he would go about getting them. Simmons discovered that Weeks had never been awarded anything for his service, and quickly got in touch with county's Veterans Service Officer.

“It’s been a long time,” Weeks told the news source. “I hadn’t really thought about it over the years, but with my grandchildren I wanted them to know and have something. All I wanted was something for my grandchildren. I’m very proud. Give General Simmons all the credit.”

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