Bonnie Leroy Puckett Jr. Saturday morning, Military men stood at attention and civilians watched with reverence at the Senior citizens Center in Union city as a debt of gratitude was paid 50 years after the fact. B. L. Puckett of Troy, 75 received the Air Metal in recognition of his combat service with the Navy aviation in the South Pacific in world War ll. "It's a little late to be presenting this metal to you said Commander told Puckett during the formal ceremony.** "I present this metal to you on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of Defense, and the President. Zom is the officer-in-charge of office recruiting at the navy Recruiting Processing Station at Memphis." Accompanying Zorn were Navy chief William Moore and Petty Officer Anthony Wheeler, both of the Union city Navy Recruiting Office.** Puckett was 21 when he entered active duty with the U. S. Navy in may 1942. He was honorably discharged in October 1945. In the Navy he was an aviation machinist mate and was a member of Navy aviation unit VPB-146 that flew twin-engine attack bombers. During a 15 month stint of duty in the South Pacific, Puckett flew 65 missions. "There were a lot of people in world War ll who flew aerial combat missions but did not get recognized," Zron said. "Today is the national day selected to pause and award these veterans the metals they never received. Ceremonies are being held throughout the nation today for them." Mr Puckett is the son of the late Mr and Mrs Bonnie Leroy Puckett who farmed near Elbridge, Martha Morris Puckett, Mr Puckett's wife of 50 years, said he seldom talks about his war experiences. "But he was very excited about getting this metal. He's been living for the moment," she said. "I could tell he was really excited about it." Puckett said receiving the Air Metal after all these years "is wonderful". "It means a lot to me. We only have about 50 men left from our squadron." he said. "They are having their reunion today on the USS Constellation. They're being presented their metals the same time I get mine." Puckett, now retired, is a former manager of Moore's Produce in Union City. "I was very proud to come up to Union City and make the award to Mr Puckett, " Zorn said. "This is the only late metal I know of in this Area. We don't have many opportunities to go into the communities and make awards such as this. It gives us the opportunity to show the flag and recognize veterans." John Brannon Messenger Staff Reporter Union City Daily Messenger