OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - An Oshkosh veteran has finally received his Bronze Star award, about 70 years after he earned it.

89-year-old Don Christman received the honor Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Oshkosh.

About 100 friends and relatives were on hand.

Christman was an Army sergeant during the “Battle of the Bulge” in World War II. That qualified him for an award – but he said he never thought about it after he got home, saying he was more concerned about his wife and two kids rather than a medal.

A friend from church, Art Weinert, heard about somebody else getting a Bronze Star many years after he earned it. And Weinert encouraged Christman to check with veterans’ service officials.

He says he’ll wear the medal in honor of fellow soldiers who never made it home.