FERNDALE, Mich. -- Tom Ducharme earned the Purple Heart more than 40 years ago. Friday, the war hero finally received the recognition he deserves.
"It's an honor to get it," said Ducharme. "It was my boys one day brought up the fact, they asked me what I got for it and if I'd gotten a medal, and I said, 'no.' So that's when I started to pursue it."
It all started the day then 18-year-old Sergeant Ducharme was shot in Vietnam. He woke up to a long hospital stay. Paperwork did not include an application for a Purple Heart. He lost a lung and his hand was shattered.
"After a few years, you put it on the burner, and then now that I'm getting older, I decided it's time to try to get it," Ducharme said.
So on a chilly Friday afternoon, the sound of bagpipes filled the air in Ferndale. The moment would warm the heart of the war vet, who was willing to give his life for country.
After 41 years and nearly 60 surgeries, Senator Carl Levin awarded the Purple Heart to Ducharme. He also received other medals for his heroism and service.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:05 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:05:51 GMT
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:14 AM EDT2013-05-16 10:14:39 GMT
The Powerball jackpot has soared to $475 million after none of the tickets sold matched all the winning numbers in Wednesday night's drawing: 2, 11, 26, 34, 41 and a Powerball of 32.
The Powerball jackpot has soared to $475 million after none of the tickets sold matched all the winning numbers in Wednesday night's drawing: 2, 11, 26, 34, 41 and a Powerball of 32.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:24:48 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:10 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:10:15 GMT
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74-year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74-year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
