Freda Waldman looks over with pride at her husband, Shep, today, just before he was presented with a bronze star with one oak leaf cluster and other medals earned during his service in World War II. (THE DENVER POST | ANDY CROSS)




More than 60 years ago, Elmer "Lucky" McGinty, was hanging in the sky over Berlin as anti-aircraft shells burst around his B-17, and Shep Waldman was fighting in the snow and biting cold of the Bulge.

Today, they both received the medals they earned when the United States went to war against Germany for a second time.

Each had a different explanation for the lapse in time between their service and the medal presentation.

"You move around so much, your records don't catch up to you," said McGinty, 84, who flew 29 missions over Europe and received a Distinguished Flying Cross, and other awards.

"I got discharged; I was not waiting for medals. They examined me and gave me $300 in muster-out pay, and I left," said Waldman,

Just a few of many war medals presented to Lucky McGinty at today's ceremony hosted by the Greatest Generations Foundation in Cherry Creek. (THE DENVER POST | ANDY CROSS)




83. Waldman was presented a bronze star with one oak-leaf cluster and other medals.

The Denver-based Greatest Generations Foundation, a nonprofit that brings WWII vets to Europe to help them reconnect with their past, arranged the presentations.

"Today, we come together to recognize their achievements," said Timothy Davis, president of the foundation.

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