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AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.—A former B-17 crewman received a Purple Heart for injuries suffered in World War II, 64 years after the war ended.
Former Tech Sgt. William Laubenstein and two other airmen bailed out after anti-aircraft fire hit the nose of the plane, killing five crewmen during a bombing run over France on May 8, 1944. He was later captured and held prisoner by the Germans.
Laubenstein, of Boulder, said he didn’t immediately collect his medal because he wanted to get home to his family, including his wife Pep whom he married shortly before shipping out.
Laubenstein’s children, grandchildren and other relatives attended the ceremony Monday at the Air Force Academy.
