Sen. Franken Presents Overdue Medal To Princeton Vet

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's been 60 long years but finally, a Princeton, Minn. veteran is getting the Prisoner of War service medal he earned decades ago.

Sen. Al Franken presented the honor to Duane Broten, and his family, at the State Capitol on Sunday and thanked him for his service.

Broten, a former Army sergeant, was held captive during the Korean Conflict and for years, had worked to correct Army records, which did not accurately reflect that he was taken prisoner in 1953.

Despite suffering several wounds, he escaped and spent six months recovering in medical facilities in Seoul, Tokyo and California before being able to return home to Minnesota.

After 15 frustrating years to try and correct military records, Broten contacted Sen. Franken.

On Sunday, Franken said he was thankful he could help correct those records and award Broten with the medal he so deserved.