Samuel Lee Anderson, now 91, was just 19 when he served as a rifleman on Iwo Jima in 1945.
A World War II veteran has received a Purple Heart, more than seven decades after he was injured on the battlefield.
Samuel Lee Anderson, now 91, was just 19 when he served as a rifleman during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Japan in 1945. But 21 days into his service, he was injured by a landmine explosion.
Read: Hero Who Lost an Eye to Save a Comrade Reveals His Incredible Recovery
His sons only learned the details of his service when they discovered his discharge papers in his Los Angeles home a year ago.
Determined that their dad should receive the Purple Heart, which is bestowed on anyone wounded in battle, they planned a surprise.
Anderson was finishing up his cup of coffee at Henri's Coffee Shop in Canoga Park last Thursday when he was escorted into a back room. Stunned, the great-grandfather was presented the award in front of a sea of people.
Read: 93-Year-Old World War II Vet Completes 3-Year, Coast-to-Coast Run
"I'm glad I got it," he told CBS LA following the ceremony. "I'm glad the boys got it and wanted it for me and they got it for me and they went through with it."
Marine Lt. Col. Aaron Doty read the medal citation and pinned the Purple Heart on Anderson’s T-shirt.
"I think it's a closure for the Purple Heart," Anderson said. "And I feel good about it."
Watch: Veteran Sobs When He's Given a Puppy to Help Him With PTSD
