FLANDREAU, S.D. (KELO.com) – Almost three quarters of a century after being injured in World War II, Sylvan Vigness has been awarded the Purple Heart.
Vigness was serving aboard the USS Hinsdale in the Pacific Theater on April 1, 1945, when the ship was hit by a kamikaze. He was injured in the attack and lost sight in one eye. In the chaos of war, records and other evidence was lost or destroyed.
Twenty five years ago, the family started the drive to make sure Mr. Vigness was awarded his medal, only to be denied because his medical records could not be found. After reviewing witness accounts and other materials from that day in 1945, the Secretary of the Navy made the decision earlier this month that he is to receive the medal.
Mr. Vigness was awarded the medal in a Saturday ceremony in Flandreau.