A World War II veteran in New Hampshire who is battling cancer is going to receive a long-awaited Purple Heart.
Cpl. Francis Byrne, of Manchester, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was injured in the line of duty in Belgium. He was hit by shrapnel from a landmine.
Byrne's lieutenant had promised to fill out the paperwork for a Purple Heart, but he was killed in action the next day.
Byrne was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer two months ago. His dying wish was to receive the award before he dies.
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Thursday that Byrne will finally be awarded a Purple Heart. Her office has been working on his application since August. She received a call from Secretary of the Army Mark Esper.
