A man who bravely served in Vietnam finally got the recognition he deserved when he received the Bronze Star in Riverhead Saturday.

Staff Sergeant Louis Mazarella has waited 37 years to receive the Bronze Star. He currently serves with the Army National Guard, which set the stage as he was honored for his heroism during the Vietnam War. While being assaulted with enemy fire, Mazarella protected a Special Forces camp in Bu Prang. His act saved lives, but went unnoticed for decades.

While on a search and recovery mission after the TWA disaster, Mazarella was reminded of his past. After finding witnesses to his war days, he took his case to Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton). A year later President Bush approved his Bronze Star.