Local Vietnam veteran awarded Purple Heart

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston is proudly home to one more Purple Heart recipient.

Today, Earl J. Barnes was presented the Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War. Barnes family was there, along with several military members and veterans as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented him with the medal and American flag.

"He worked real hard to get this done. So, he wanted to leave this here for his grandkids to see it and realize what he went through. Feel real good about him right now," said the veteran's son Rodney Barnes.

It was an emotional ceremony for Barnes who says he's often reminded of the men he left behind.