He was officially declared killed in action more than 60 years ago. But his family was never exactly sure of his fate.

"They didn't find any bones. They didn't find any dog tags and we just don't know what happened," said Caroline McCoy about her uncle, Sergeant Dominic Eritano.

McCoy, and another of Eritano's relatives, nephew Mickey Eritano were presented with their uncle's military awards during a ceremony in Wadsworth. Congressman Jim Renacci, along with the Blue Star Mothers and representatives of the military sponsored the official recognition of Sgt. Eritano's service.

When his office was asked by McCoy about getting a plaque for her uncle, Renacci's office felt they could do more.

"When we saw the medals that this individual deserved," said the congressman. "We really made sure we were able to put this together."

Many of the medals, like the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Campaign Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal, were earned by Eritano during WWII. After the war, Eritano re-enlisted and was deployed to Korea. There, during the Korean conflict, he earned the Silver Star for gallantry under fire from the enemy.

Eritano was near Sobangson, Korea in June of 1951. During a night attack, his Company "B" was pinned down by enemy fire. Leaving his position for a better vantage point, he spotted and single handedly attacked a machine gun sight killing it's crew. When the enemy later counterattacked, Eritano offered fierce resistance to the enemy allowing his unit to withdraw to avoid being overrun. He was last seen engaging the enemy at point blank range. The family never really knew if he was killed or captured.

The Silver Star is the third highest military decoration for valor. The medal is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States..

Eritano's nephew was pleased with ceremony.

"This today is way over the top for me."

McCoy, who's initial request led to the presentation ceremony, said her uncle would have been thankful.

"I know my uncle really would've appreciated it. He deserved it. Her really did."

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