Finally, after more than eighty years of waiting, a Kentucky World War II veteran, who was injured while fighting against Nazi Germany, received one of the United States’ most revered military awards.
Glenn Fisher, a 99-year-old Army veteran, spent 81 years anticipating the day he would be honored with the Purple Heart. On Wednesday, his long wait ended as he was formally acknowledged for the sacrifices he endured on the battlefield.
During an emotional ceremony at Louisville’s Frazier History Museum, Fisher expressed his disbelief and joy over finally receiving the recognition. “I’ve been so excited, I haven’t been able to sleep at night thinking about what a wonderful thing is happening,” he shared. “Sometimes I’d wake up and say, ‘now, is this really true?’ And it is, it’s really true.”
The Purple Heart, which honors U.S. service members who were wounded or killed due to enemy actions, arrives for Fisher just months before his milestone 100th birthday. This recognition comes after several unsuccessful attempts over the years to have his wartime injuries formally acknowledged.
Glenn Fisher, the World War II veteran, showed a heartfelt reaction upon finally receiving the Purple Heart, a recognition that had been due for over eight decades since his wartime injuries. (WDRB)
WHAS11 first reported Fisher’s story in March as he sought to receive the award before turning 100.
According to previous reporting by WHAS11, Fisher enlisted in the Army in 1943 at just 16 years old after obtaining his parents’ permission. He later landed on Utah Beach in France and was wounded on March 25, 1945, while waiting to cross the Rhine River after German artillery struck his unit.
Fisher previously said his injuries were never properly documented during the war, which he said delayed his receiving the Purple Heart.
“Never did hear back from them,” Fisher previously said of one of his early attempts to obtain the medal.
Years later, he tried again but said the Army informed him it could not find sufficient evidence to approve the award.
Glenn Fisher poses in his Army uniform during World War II. Fisher was awarded the Purple Heart in 2026 after decades of seeking recognition for wounds he sustained in combat. (WDRB)
Despite those setbacks, Fisher continued pursuing the recognition with help from longtime friend Jeff Thoke, who spent years researching Fisher’s military service and compiling hundreds of pages of historical records for military officials.
“He represents the best of America,” Thoke said Wednesday. “We can’t thank him enough for all that he has done. He loves his country; he’s one of the most patriotic men.”
According to previous reporting, Fisher served with the Army’s 556th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Weapons Battalion. He fought during the Battle of the Bulge before being wounded near the Rhine River in the closing months of World War II.
A file photo shows an example of the Purple Heart medal, which Fisher received more than 80 years after being wounded in combat. (AFP via Getty Images)
WHAS11 reported Fisher returned to his unit weeks after being wounded, later met Soviet forces at the Elbe River one day before Victory in Europe Day and eventually served as part of the official escort for President Harry S. Truman during Truman’s arrival in Antwerp, Belgium, before returning home.
Wednesday’s ceremony appeared to mark the end of a journey Fisher had spent decades pursuing.
“It’s really true,” he said.
News Media has reached out to the U.S. Army for additional information about Fisher’s Purple Heart but did not immediately receive a response.