World War II veteran John Moton Jr. was awarded something that was long overdue: eight different service medals.
Moton, who served in the Navy from 1939 until 1945, was on the second deck of the U.S.S. Tennessee when the attacks on Pearl Harbor happened.
WATCH MOTON’S REACTION TO RECEIVING HIS MEDALS HERE
[NBCVIDEO source=”UNIWIDGET” video=”http://widgets.nbcuni.com/singleclip/singleclip_v1.swf?CXNID=1000004.08052NXC&WID=4a784acd2b1a7e80&clipID=1294797&wName=The Grio Video Widget” w=”400″ h=”400″]
Moments later, he was feeding shells up to the anti-aircraft gun. Upon discharge from the Navy, Moton and his family settled in the St. Louis area. There was always something missing: medals for his service.Moton talked it over with his Congressman, Rep. Lacy Clay, and this is what came of it.
“I think it’s the greatest moment of my life,” said Moton.
Moton, now 91, received eight medals, among them: the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal.