Racism Prevented Him From Being Honored With A Purple Heart And Now At 99-Years-Old It Has Finally Been Awarded To Him
Fort Hamilton, New York. Osceola Fletcher, whom everyone calls Ozzie, is a 99-year-old veteran who served in World War II.
Over 76 years ago, Ozzie was seriously injured while fighting in the Battle of Normandy in France.
During this battle, Americans, Britains, Canadians, and French soldiers came together to attack German soldiers on the beaches of Normandy.
Over 400,000 soldiers from all countries lost their lives, were seriously injured, or wound up missing in the aftermath of the Battle of Normandy.
Ozzie was among those injured; he was on a truck that was driving supplies to the allies when it was struck by fire from the Germans.
Now, Ozzie should have been awarded a Purple Heart medal, which is an honor reserved for members of the military who are injured or killed while serving their country.
However, Ozzie never received a Purple Heart. He thankfully survived the injuries he sustained in battle, but when he returned home from the war, he decided to leave the Army.
From there, Ozzie worked a few exciting jobs. He worked in the New York City Police Department as a Sergeant.
Amanda Hay-Caroffino; pictured above Ozzie accepts his Purple Heart
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Then, he worked in the New York City Public Schools teaching high school. Following that, Ozzie went on to be part of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office as their Community Relations Specialist.
Close to 77 years have passed since Ozzie has served in the Battle of Normandy, and the Army finally made sure he was awarded the honor that had somehow eluded him in the past due to racism.
“He was hurt doing the job of an American Soldier,” Ozzie’s daughter Jacqueline Streeter explained.
“I do believe he was looked over because of that reason (race) and that’s what makes this that much better. We’re finally taking another look and considering the experience of all Soldiers.”
More than 150 people showed up to Ozzie’s Purple Heart ceremony. The Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James C. McConville, was the one who presented Ozzie his long-overdue honor.
“He has spent his entire life giving to those around him, whether they were brothers in arms, families, or his community,” Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville said.
“Today it’s Ozzie’s turn to receive, but we are not really giving him anything today. We’re delivering him something he’s been entitled to for almost 77 years: Purple Heart for wounds received.”
More About:Human Interest
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