99-year old D-Day veteran receives long-delayed Purple Heart 

Army Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville presented a long-overdue Purple Heart to Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher during a ceremony at Fort Hamilton Army Garrison on June 18. Fletcher, a Black D-Day combat veteran who was wounded in Normandy and waited more than 77 years for the Purple Heart he was due, is a member of William E. Sheridan American Legion Police Post 1059 in Brooklyn. 
Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher, who served in the 254th Port Battalion, was wounded while transporting supplies into Normandy during the largest amphibious invasion in military history. (Photo by Todd Maisel)
Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher, who served in the 254th Port Battalion, was wounded while transporting supplies into Normandy during the largest amphibious invasion in military history. (Photo by Todd Maisel)
Helen Patton, granddaughter of tGen. George Patton with Michelle Strauss (center) Chair of the Patton Legacy Sports League, greet Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher during a ceremony June 18 at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn (Photo by Todd Maisel/The American Legion)
Helen Patton, granddaughter of tGen. George Patton with Michelle Strauss (center) Chair of the Patton Legacy Sports League, greet Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher during a ceremony June 18 at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn (Photo by Todd Maisel/The American Legion)
An Army officer takes advantage of an opportunity to snap a selfie with Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher, before the 99-year old Black D-Day veteran was presented a long-overdue Purple Heart at a Fort Hamilton Army Garrison ceremony. (Photo by Todd Maisel)
An Army officer takes advantage of an opportunity to snap a selfie with Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher, before the 99-year old Black D-Day veteran was presented a long-overdue Purple Heart at a Fort Hamilton Army Garrison ceremony. (Photo by Todd Maisel)
Ozzie Fletcher’s Purple Heart, received more than 77 years after he was wounded in Normandy. (Photo by Todd Maisel/The American Legion)
Ozzie Fletcher’s Purple Heart, received more than 77 years after he was wounded in Normandy. (Photo by Todd Maisel/The American Legion)
Members of the media talk with D-Day veteran Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher following his Purple Heart Ceremony. (Photo by Todd Maisel)
Members of the media talk with D-Day veteran Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher following his Purple Heart Ceremony. (Photo by Todd Maisel)
Jacqueline Streets, who long championed the effort to see her father, Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher, receive the Purple Heart, embraces her mother, Pauline Fletcher, after the ceremony. (Photo by Todd Maisel)
Jacqueline Streets, who long championed the effort to see her father, Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher, receive the Purple Heart, embraces her mother, Pauline Fletcher, after the ceremony. (Photo by Todd Maisel)