World War II POWs from Colorado get long-delayed medals

Three Colorado veterans who were captured by the German military in World War II have finally received their medals more than 70 years after they were liberated.

Keith Hereford, Clayton Nattier and John Pederson were awarded the decorations Thursday in a ceremony in Lakewood.

Democratic congressman Ed Perlmutter helped arrange the medals. He says the men were too busy in civilian life to pursue them sooner.

Nattier was a pilot and Hereford was a gunner on B-17 bombers. Both had to parachute from their damaged planes in separate incidents before they were captured.

Pederson was an infantryman captured during a battle in France.

Each received the Prisoner of War Medal. Pederson also received the Bronze Star, and Nattier and Hereford received the Purple Heart and Air Medal.