98-year-old southern Indiana WWII veteran receives award for military service

“Our democracy is built on the sacrifices of men and women like Mr. King. And it's just such an honor and such a privilege to not only be in the same room with him but to recognize and celebrate his legacy and sacrifice to our great nation,” said Indiana Sen. Chris Garten.

King was captured in 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge.

“His eyes have seen things that he can't unsee and will never be able to unsee. That's so true of so many men and women of that generation. The time that our country stops telling these stories stops celebrating these heroes is when our democracy will be at risk,” Garten added.

He survived for months until American Forces liberated a German imprisonment camp.

King was grateful to receive the recognition alongside his wife.