Bob (left) and Nancy Stochosky chat with Senator Ron Wyden following the ceremony.

GRESHAM – It took almost 70 years, but William Stochosky’s Silver Star has been awarded.

Senator Ron Wyden presented the medal, along with others the soldier earned, to Stochosky’s brother, Bob, of John Day, at an Oct. 19 ceremony honoring William, who was killed in action just a month after his courageous actions that earned him the Silver Star.

About 70 family members from Oregon, Washington and California attended the event, that paid tribute to the soldier’s heroism in the Philippines during World War II.

It was on January 24, 1945, when, without regard for his personal safety and at the risk of his own life, William Stochosky crawled approximately 200 yards through heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire to administer first aid to a wounded soldier. He remained with the injured man until friendly fire permitted a withdrawal, and then called forward a litter squad and assisted in the evacuation of the man. Just a month later, in February 1945, William was killed while serving with the U.S. Army’s 40th “Sunshine” Infantry Division during the fight to retake Luzon Island in the Philippines from the Japanese.

It wasn’t until last August – more than 69 years later – that his family learned he had earned the Silver Star, after an acquaintance visited his grave at the American Military Cemetery in Manila, Philippines, and saw “Silver Star” engraved on his headstone.

The words “Purple Heart” are there, too, but the family was already long aware of that honor.

The family contacted Wyden, who made inquiries with both the National Personnel Records Center and the Army. Once confirmation was made, the official citation, along with other pertinent records and medals were forwarded to his office.

The ceremony was held in Gresham, at the Anderson Karate School, which is owned by Stochosky’s son-in-law, Dan Anderson.

Bob Stochosky said that while it’s a shame his parents, brothers and sisters never knew of William’s Silver Star, it’s a great recognition for the next generation in the family, William’s nieces and nephews, to experience.