YORKTOWN HEIGHTS - Eugene Lang finally has his long-awaited Purple Heart award that he earned due to injuries he suffered in combat over 40-years ago during the Vietnam War. Following outreach from Mr. Lang and his attorney, and the Journal-News, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer launched an all-out offensive for Mr. Lang. Senator Schumer announced last week that the he successfully petitioned the U.S. Army to approve Mr. Lang’s long-overdue Purple Heart.

A Yorktown Heights resident and Vietnam War veteran, Mr. Lang sustained a serious injury while serving with the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam. In early May 1968, Mr. Lang was hit by enemy fire and suffered a shrapnel wound to his right knee. After being bandaged up, he returned to his unit, using his gun as a crutch, and was promised the Purple Heart, but it never came.

“Today is finally the day that Eugene Lang has waited decades for, and I am honored to pin the long-overdue Purple Heart medal upon his uniform,” said Schumer. “For years and years, Gene attempted to obtain the Purple Heart he was promised after he risked his life for our country in Vietnam, but he was denied time and again due to lack of proof that he sustained the injury during combat. I have worked tirelessly to help him gather and present the evidence that would prove once and for all that he absolutely deserves this award. The final packet submitted to the Army was nearly 100 pages, which included new compelling evidence my office uncovered, and today’s presentation of this award makes every page worth the while.”