FORT HAMILTON, NY – The Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. James C. McConville, presented the Purple Heart to World War II veteran and life-long New York City resident Mr. Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher, June 18 at the Fort Hamilton Community Club here.
Fletcher, a 99-year-old World War II veteran, was recently approved by the Secretary of the Army to receive the Purple Heart more than 76 years after being wounded during the Battle of Normandy. Due to some of the racial inequalities in the United States at that time, Fletcher's story was overlooked for decades, despite rightfully earning the medals in the same historic battle.
In addition to serving in the Army during WWII, Fletcher also served as a Sergeant in the New York Police...
