Veteran Finally Receives Bronze Star Medal After 34 Years

After 34 years, veteran Cipriano Delbosque finally received the recognition he deserved - the Bronze Star.

ABILENE, Texas — After 34 years, veteran Cipriano Delbosque finally received the recognition he deserved - the Bronze Star.

Delbosque was also presented with another token of appreciation Tuesday for his service and bravery.

Sergeant Cipriano, or "Cip," as his close friends call him, was emotional when Congressman Jodey Arrington presented him with an American flag.

“I feel like I’m very important," Sgt. Delbosque said. "Not just with him, but with the community. Being a barber, everyone comes here to congratulate me and we talk about it. So I feel really good about it.”

Sgt. Delbosque has been an Abilene barber for 54 years and owns Cip's Barber Shop. But before that, he served in the U.S. Army for three decades.

From guiding Kuwaiti refugees through a minefield to providing medical aid to a wounded boy, Sgt. Delbosque risked his life while serving his country.

"At this point, we leave it up to God, let it be His will," he said.

Last month, Sgt. Delbosque was awarded the Bronze Star medal, a decoration received for his heroic service during Operation Desert Storm after waiting 34 years for the call.

Now he's been recognized once more with an American flag that was flown across the United States Capitol.

Congressman Arrington said veteran leaders like Sgt. Delbosque make America thrive.

“There wouldn’t be this quality of life, said Rep. Arrington. "We wouldn’t be the most powerful and prosperous nation in human history if there weren’t generation after generation of Sergeant Cip's who stepped forward and were willing to defend our country and our freedom and our nation's interest around the world.”