A WWII veteran, 103, finally receives medals of honor — 75 years after he served

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Three-quarters of a century after serving as an Army medic, a Massachusetts man is finally receiving his medals of honor at the age of 103.

Peter Fantasia, of Somerville, received eight medals of honor, including a Bronze Star and a World War II Victory Medal, in a ceremony Monday in which former Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., presented him with his long-deserved awards.

"He represents the best of America," Moulton told USA TODAY. "He represents selfless service, and he wasn't looking for recognition. He put his life on the line for his country because it was the right thing to do."

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Fantasia served with Lima Company, of the 3rd Battalion, of the 104th Regiment, of the 26th Infantry Division, according to the Valley Patriot. He was captured along with two soldiers by a German infantryman in November 1944, per the Patriot, and was in POW camps for nearly six months until he was freed by Russian forces in April 1945.

He worked for the U.S. Postal Service when he returned, up until retirement — and raised four children with his wife, Mildred. He earned a Silver Star, the military's third-highest combat decoration per the Patriot, while MIA.

By the time he was freed, CNN reported, he never sought out the rest of the medals.

Moulton told USA TODAY that Fantasia's humility was infectious during the ceremony.

"He just sat there quietly with a smile on his face, surrounded by family and friends and fellow veterans from many different wars," he said. "Again, this isn't recognition he ever sought. In some ways, that's the best part of this story."

Fantasia told WHDH-TV that he was honored to receive the medals, but that he "had help one way or another" from his Army brothers in spirit.

"God has been good," Fantasia told WHDH. "I don't know what to say."

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