One of our country's heroes finally got the recognition he deserved today.

World War II and Korean War veteran Hugh Aikens was presented with the medals he earned decades ago. Aikens, a Rome native, served in General Patton's Third Army in World War Two as a machine gunner.

He earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star, but he was called to Korea before he received them.

Decades went by, and his family recently reached out to Congressman Anthony Brindisi's office for help, and they got it.

Aikens was given his medals today during a ceremony at the New York State School for the Deaf in Rome.

"I don't know what to say about it. It's really something to show something like this and be able to remember most of it," said World War II and Korean War Veteran Hugh Aikens.

Aikens' favorite medal is the Silver Star which he got for forcing the enemy to retreat after coming under intense fire in Germany.