Local Man Gets Bronze Star — 68 Years Late

NOTE: Forest Hills Patch is happy to announce that Arno Heller has been chosen as Huffington Post's "Greatest Person of the Day." Click here to see the feature.

Arno Heller, a Rego Park resident and World War II veteran, earned a Bronze Star for his commitment to duty — it just came a little late.

During a ceremony at the American Legion Post in Forest Hills, Heller was given the medal by U.S. Rep. Bob Turner after decades without realizing he had earned the honor.

Last year, Heller received a flier in the mail from Turner’s office about the availability of veterans’ services.

He asked Turner’s office to help him prove his eligibility for service awards, including a purple heart.

As it turned out, after his staff did a little research, Turner discovered that Heller was eligible for a Bronze Star — one of the highest military honors the nation bestows — thanks to his service in the Rhineland Campaign during 1944.

Heller has received quite a bit of recognition since then, including a write-up in the New York Daily News and a citation from Borough President Helen Marshall. But none of it stacked up with finally receiving his long-overdue recognition from the federal government.

“It means so much I can hardly describe it. I am actually overwhelmed with the effort and the kindness and professionalism of Congressman Turner and his office,” Heller said. “Everyone has been so kind, nice, friendly and helpful I am speechless. It’s very emotional because after all these years sometimes I lie awake at night and a lot of memories come back. No bad memories. It’s been a terrific experience. All the people at work come over and shake my hand and congratulate me.”

Turner, himself a veteran, said Heller’s service needed to be recognized.

“Private Heller joins an elite class of United States servicemen and women who exceed the call of duty to protect our nation and his or her fellow soldiers,” Turner said. “Mr. Heller bravely defended his country and his brethren in arms, and today, our nation says ‘thank you.’”