Video: WW II Hero Gets Special Tribute At NMMC

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – With family and friends looking on, The commander of the Honor Guard Service at NMMC made a special presentation.

O. R. Dulaney was admitted to the hospital nearly two weeks ago.  The Mantachie resident served as a US Army medic in World War II. That meant he was on the battlefield armed with only a knife for protection.  He took care of many soldiers, including those wounded at Omaha Beach on D Day.

His combat performance earned him many medals, including the Bronze Star, and the Combat Medical Badge.  However, when he returned home, his medals were stolen.  Thirteen days ago, State Representative Randy Boyd, and Congressman Trent Kelly presented the medals to Dulaney, “Mr O.R.” as he’s known to friends.

“When I found out he’d lost his medals, I could see it in his eyes, how badly he wanted his medals,” Rep. Boyd said.

The medals are pinned on this jacket, by Mr O.R.’s side in his In patient Hospice room at NMMC.

He celebrated his 99th birthday Monday in the hospital.  NMMC Honor Guard Service Commander Brad Brown says it’s important to remember the sacrifices made by Mr O. R. and countless others.

“Without them doing what they did, we would not be able to have the privileges, freedoms and liberties we do now, I wouldn’t be able to do the process I am to remember our veterans who served,” Brown said.

Family members say people can learn a lot from Mr O. R.

“He survived a lot of adversity in his life, he was committed to his marriage, he served his country and he did it all without complaining and he did it all with pride and he lived within his means, I think that’s something this generation really needs to know,” said Great Nephew, Mark Carnathan.

Mr O R’s wife of 76 years, Odelle, passed away earlier this year.