Joe George Gets Medal for Saving USS Arizona Sailors-- Part 3: Bronze Star

At around sunset, rear Admiral Matthew Carter, deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, will present the Bronze Star to Joe George's daughter, Joe Ann Taylor, at the USS Arizona Memorial -- reversing a past decision by the Navy not to give him a medal for disobeying the order.

"Bruner, 97, and Stratton, 95, will be in attendance as well.  George died in 1996.

"'It means everything,'  Taylor said.  'It's a wonderful thing because it validates everything we know about my father.'

"Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., introduced the proclamation in August and, with five co-sponsors -- both Republican and Democratic --  it passed unanimously in September.

"Flake called the honor 'long overdue.'

"Randy Stratton notes that 'I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for what Joe George did.  I have him to thank for saving my father.'

"Bruner got emotional during a phone interview.  His caregiver, Ed Hoeschen, said Bruner fought back tears before saying that the medal should have been given to George a long time ago.

"'It's about damn time,' Bruner said."

Congratulations to the Joe George Family and Thanks To All Involved In his getting It.  --GreGen