A Cameron man who was seriously injured in the Vietnam War accepted a long-overdue Purple Heart Wednesday.The award was presented by Congressman David McKinley at Independence Hall in Wheeling.

Vietnam veteran Edwin Leo Mackey received a standing ovation from his family, friends, the community and Congressman McKinley. About 49 years after being wounded in action, Mackey has received his Purple Heart. He laughed when he was called a hero.

"I was just doing my job, I tell ya," Mackey said. A fellow soldier helped present the award at the ceremony. Mackey talked about when he was injured in action after an explosion. "A lot of our guys were hurt, killed," he said.

"There were members in their battalion killed and these men took up the slack. And one was wounded badly and Mackey never put his paperwork in," Rep. McKinley said.

Mackey's daughter started pushing for her father to receive his award a few years ago, but McKinley says bureaucracy made it tough to get the Purple Heart, prompting his office to push for the honor.

At the ceremony, Mackey's wife and other family members cried with joy.

"I want to make sure his grandchildren can appreciate what people have done so that we can have freedom in America," McKinley said.

Also today, Joseph Minor was honored by the congressman for his appointment to the Naval Academy. He was a student at WVU but will soon head to the academy after Rep. Joe Manchin and McKinley recommended him.

To see footage of the ceremony, click here.