WWII veteran receives Bronze Star after 65 years

Clarence Wallaert, left, shakes hands with Maj. Gen James L. Hodge, commanding general, SDDC, after being presented the Bronze Star Medal by Hodge for his actions in combat more than 65 years ago. Then-Pfc. Wallaert was shot in the hip by a German sniper in Italy in 1943, but continued fighting for 12 hours after dressing his own wound. His son-in-law, a retired Air Force colonel and SDDC civilian, helped arrange for the long-overdue presentation.