‘Better Late Than Never’ World War II Hero Finally Receives Medals
Richard Paynes has finally received the medals he earned while serving in World War II. He drove a truck for the "Red Ball Express." The Express was a system that supplied ammunition, food and other material to Gen. George Patton's Third Army during the invasion of Germany.
Paynes is now 92 years old. The Woodville, Miss. resident didn't receive his campaign and service awards when he left the Army.
Mississippi's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Augustus Collins, Decorated Paynes on Wednesday.
Retired Sgt. Maj. Richard Lambert reportedly learned of Paynes' situation and corresponded with the Army for months to obtain the awards.
Paynes was presented the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal.
It took 70 years, but I guess the old saying is true, “Better late than never.”