RIDGELAND, Miss. - World War II veteran Billups "Bill" Allen of Ridgeland was awarded a Bronze Star Medal on his 100th birthday on Sept. 7. Allen served as an Army lieutenant and infantry platoon leader with the 29th Division in Europe. The Bronze Star is the services' fourth-highest award. Allen also received a replacement medal for his Purple Heart award, which was lost in December 1945 when he was evacuated from a hospital during the Battle of the Bulge. The centenarian was also awarded the Army of Occupation medal, an honor to recognize veterans who had served in Germany, Italy, Austria, Japan or Korea immediately following the outbreak of WWII. The ceremony was held on in the courtyard of The Blake assisted living facility, where Allen lives. (Source: The AP 09/09/20)
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