Returning home from World War II, and the battle for Iwo Jima, Andrew J. Dupal got back to his life of raising a family and working as a machinist until his retirement.

However, on December 12th, a very suprised Dupal and five other U.S. Marine Corps comrades were recognized for their courage in helping to direct an air strike during the height of the fighting.

Reluctantly, the just-turned-72 Dural was presented with the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for Valor from Marine Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, the highest-ranking female officer in the Pentagon. Apparently, it was an oversight that Dural and his platoon were not honored earlier.

The citation on Dural's medal reads: "Private First Class Dupal's courageous actions and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

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