Today, I salute 94-year-old Korean War Marine Veteran from Johnson County, Kansas Rex Comley. Rex has always been recognized as a Purple Heart recipient on his military paperwork, but had never actually received the physical medal for his service and sacrifice between 1951 and 1953. With help from multiple veterans organizations, Comley finally received his long-overdue Purple Heart in a ceremony attended by family and fellow veterans on Sunday. When asked if the medal makes him a hero, Comley responded, “No, I don’t at all. It makes me think I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.” As for his service, Rex said, “I remember the good times, I don’t remember the bad time, but I remember a lot of the fellas I was with that didn’t make it back.” Congratulations on the long-overdue honor, Rex, and THANK YOU for your service.
