Eighty-one-year-old Peter Furtak of suburban Chicago served as a private first class in the 9th Armored Division during World War II. During an operation in the Battle of the Bulge, a mortar entered his tank, killing one soldier and injuring Furtak. The explosion blew off a finger and a portion of his right hand, but was Furtak was still able to maneuver the tank to a safe zone.

As a result of his bravery, Furtak was awarded a number of citations including a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, a World War II Victory Medal, an honorable service lapel pin, and a marksman's badge. When Furtak only received the Purple Heart, he wondered what had gone wrong, but never raised a fuss about it.

Years later, when his health began to deteriorate, Furtak’s middle-aged daughters determined to honor a father they loved. They researched ways their ailing father might yet receive his overdue recognition. Contacting their congressional representative, they explained the longstanding oversight and asked if she might pull appropriate strings. Representative Judy Biggert was successful.

On a crisp November day at a Veterans Day observance in Naperville, Peter Furtak stood at attention using his deformed right hand to offer a military salute as the color guard presented the American flag. Congresswoman Biggert presented Peter Furtak his long-delayed recognition six decades after the war. Choking back tears, the aging veteran graciously acknowledged his appreciation and proceeded to hug his two daughters standing at his side.