Private First Class Leonard Foster Mason.
It was a commemoration nearly 70 years too late. On Tuesday, the city of Pineville, Kentucky, paid tribute to a fallen Medal of Honor winner.
Dozens of people gathered to honor Private First Class Leonard Foster Mason.
Mason was a Middlesboro native and a marine who served during World War II. He was 24 years old when he was killed during the Battle of Guam in July 1944, while helping save his platoon.
City officials said the commemoration of his sacrifice was long overdue, but they say they very proud to finally pay their respects.
"Well it makes me proud. I'm proud of all of our veterans. Anytime we can recognize a veteran we should capitalize on that, especially a Medal of Honor winner. Again, it was long overdue. For those that are serving today, we need to let them know that we appreciate their efforts," said Albey Brock, the Bell County Judge Executive
Bell County will also dedicate a portion of Highway 25, calling it the Leonard F. Mason Memorial Highway."