Local WWII Vet to Get Honor From Norwegian King

A Fort Lauderdale man is being recognized for his service to our country, 66 years after his tour of duty

A Fort Lauderdale man is being recognized for his service to our country, 66 years after his tour of duty.

Bjarne Kvingedal, now 87-years-old, was 18 when he gained U.S. citizenship for the sole purpose of defending America in World War II.

In 1945, he began serving in the Norwegian 99th Infantry Battalion Separate.

"It was a good experience, although there were some tough areas in there when someone would shoot at you and maybe miss you by a few inches," Kvingedal said. "That kind of excites you a bit."

Six decades later, the thrills and honors keep coming for the vet.

Kvingedal will be presented with a medal, called Deltagermedalgen, from the king of Norway on Saturday for his work in defending the country - a country he was born in before moving the U.S. as a baby.

"I'm still shocked to know I am going to receive a medal," he said. "I'm excited to be there because of the group of people, but with the king signing it, I think that is inspiring to know."

"I think it's nice that they finally got to him to say thank you," His wife Harriet said.

The couple's son even flew in from San Francisco just to see his dad be honored.

"When you're 18, you don't let too many things bother you," Kvingedal said. "You just get out of the way when something's firing at you and when the noise stops, you stand up and look out."

The ceremony will be on held on the Oasis of the Sea.

Just like his other awards, including the Bronze Medal, Kvingedal said this one will also go to his grandchildren.

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