Black WWII veteran denied purple heart receives honor at 99

After racism prevented a Black WWII veteran from receiving a Purple Heart, the U.S. Army finally presented the 99-year-old with his medal this month.

Osceola “Ozzie” Fletcher was injured during the Battle of Normandy — a crucial operation that saw Allied Forces successfully invade Western Europe — when his vehicle became the target of German gunfire, the Army said in a news release.

U.S. Army

James Hendon, Commissioner of NYC Veterans Services, narrated the event, which started with a showing of the film, “Sixth of June”. The 15-minute long film, featuring the Black WWII veteran, was one of the catalysts to reexamining the events from 1945, ensuring Fletcher be awarded the Purple Heart.

Henry Roosevelt, “Sixth of June” film director, said, “Ozzie’s story is an integral part in our collective history. We can’t lose sight of that. We can’t allow the stories to fade or individuals to fade into the shadows.”

The film was followed by a video message from U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer as well as remarks by McConville.

“We serve with great Soldiers like Ozzie who set the example for all of us that we aspire to live up to every single today,” McConville said. “Today we have the opportunity to pay Ozzie a long overdue tribute for the sacrifices he made to our nation and free people everywhere.”

Fletcher became injured when the truck he was delivering supplies with was hit be German fire. After the war, Ozzie Fletcher left the Army and returned home to New York to serve his city.

He served as a Sergeant in the NYPD, as a high school teacher in NYC Public Schools, and as a Community Relations Specialist in the Brooklyn’s District Attorney’s office.

“He has spent his entire life giving to those around him, whether they were brothers in arms, families, or his community,” McConville said. “Today it’s Ozzie’s turn to receive, but we are not really giving him anything today. We’re delivering him something he’s been entitled to for almost 77 years: Purple Heart for wounds received.”