A World War II veteran from West Milford finally received his service medals decades after serving in the Navy.

Calvin Wagner served in the Navy for two years during the war. He says that after he was discharged he never received the medals that he earned. He also says that many of his fellow servicemen did not get their medals.

“I never thought it would come,” he says. “When I was discharged they weren't even mentioned to us.”

Wagner’s family reached out to Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s office for assistance tracking down the replacement medals.

“There aren’t many veterans left who served in the Second World War,” Gottheimer says. “That’s why it’s a big deal to sit with Mr. Wagner and thank him face to face for his service.”

Gottheimer presented Wagner with five medals Thursday.

Go HERE for an extended interview with Wagner.