Kewanee Veteran awarded at Arsenal - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Kewanee Veteran awarded at Arsenal

By:  Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

It wasn't until Private First Class Phillip Clong got sick that his son started digging into his dad's past.

"Most of the World War II vets didn't talk much when they come back and Dad basically didn't talk much either," says Edmund Clong, Phillip's son.

Phillip Clong's kids had no idea their dad was a true hero, until now.

"We found his purple heart and it was broken, so we decided to see if we could get it fixed for him and it kind of snowballed from there," says Mark Clong, Phillip's son.

With the help of Congressman Schilling's office and the American legion, Phillip cong is getting recognized for much more than his sons expected.

"Now to find out, it's kind of shocking and overwhelming to know all that stuff that he done," says Edmund Clong.

Their quiet father can now add three new medals to his collection, including the bronze star.

"Overwhelming actually, really nice," says Mark.

"I'm proud of dad of what he did, what son wouldn't be proud," says Edmonds.

Phillip Clong had a twin brother who also served and now the whole family is looking into finding his medals.