SAN ANTONIO -- Sixty-three years after being injured during World War II and one day before the nation honors its veterans, Cpl. Hilario L. Riojas finally received one of the military's top honors.

Riojas was injured in 1945 by shrapnel from German artillery fire during the Rhineland Campaign, and the Karnes City, Texas, native had been authorized to receive the Purple Heart, but it was never presented or officially recognized until Monday.

"We wouldn't be here if he wasn't here, so we're very blessed that he made it and got his award, his due award, and we're very happy for him," son Art Riojas said.

Riojas received the award in the Taj Mahal rotunda at Randolph Air Force Base.