Congressman José E. Serrano released the following statement upon the long-overdue burial of Medal of Honor winner Sergeant Cornelius Charlton at Arlington National Cemetery.

“This burial of honor comes 56 years later than it should have, but we can now finally say that our country has done right by Sgt. Charlton. This son of the Bronx was a true American hero who gave his life for our nation during the Korean War.

“His heroism earned him the Medal of Honor and the right to rest in Arlington National Cemetery alongside the other heroes from our armed services. One of these honors was given right away, but the other has only come to pass today, more than a half a century later. Today we write the final chapter of this hero’s story as we lay him to rest where he belongs.

“He was also honored in The Bronx years ago with a park that bears his name. Together with the veterans that fought alongside Sgt. Charlton, we have made huge strides in cleaning and refurbishing Charlton Garden. This park will soon be a place befitting of the name it bears and a place of peace and reflection for the community.

“We must acknowledge the hard work that the family and veterans did to correct this injustice. Without their dedication to honoring Sgt. Charlton’s memory and bringing his improper treatment to light, we may have never known about or been able to correct the problem. Today their efforts are rewarded as we see our Bronx hero being honored for his heroics 56 years ago.”
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