World War II Ex-Serviceman Neil Wigan Finally Receives Medals 78 Years Late

British Army veteran Neil Wigan, who served in World War II, has finally received the medals he earned 78 years late.

The 97-year-old veteran was presented with the Africa Star, the 1939-1945 Star, and the War Medal at a ceremony in his hometown of Wigan, Greater Manchester.

Wigan enlisted in the British Army in 1943 and served in the Royal Army Service Corps in Egypt, Palestine, and Italy during the war.

He was entitled to the medals for his service, but they were never issued to him. It is unclear why he did not receive them at the time.

Wigan's daughter, Christine, began researching her father's military service in 2019 and discovered that he had not received the medals he had earned.

She contacted the Army Medal Office, which confirmed that her father was entitled to the medals and arranged for them to be presented to him.

Wigan said he was "overwhelmed" to finally receive the medals.

"It's a great honor to receive these medals," he said. "I'm very proud of my service in the Army, and I'm grateful for the recognition."

Wigan's medals were presented to him by the Mayor of Wigan, David Molyneux.

"It is a privilege to present these medals to Mr. Wigan," Molyneux said. "He is a true hero who served his country with distinction."

Wigan's story is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring the service of our veterans.

It is also a reminder that it is never too late to right a wrong.