More than four decades after seeing combat during the Vietnam War, Robert Cox has received prestigious medals for selfless military service, including a Purple Heart for injuries he found out about just two years ago.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard presented Cox, 67, with a Bronze Star medal, the nation’s fourth-highest combat award, and a Purple Heart during a ceremony Friday at Schofield Barracks’ Weyand Field.

The recognition was long overdue for a humble gentleman from Aiea who didn’t seek it after his yearlong tour of duty ended in September 1969. He returned to his home in Hawaii, met his wife, Pearl, and raised three children. Cox also resumed his career in architecture through which he designed restaurants in Hawaii and California.

During his tour in Vietnam, Cox served as a sergeant of the 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment. Gabbard presented Cox with the Bronze Star for actions during the war when Cox’s soldiers were under attack after several enemy soldiers breached a perimeter. As they proceeded toward the command post, Cox killed an enemy solider who was about to throw a satchel charge, an explosive, into the post.

Gabbard, who is in Hawaii during Congress’ summer recess, also presented Cox with the Purple Heart for shrapnel injuries. A fellow soldier on patrol had stepped on a booby trap; an explosive device killed the soldier and wounded others, including Cox. The wounded were evacuated via helicopter and treated for their injuries before returning to duty.

Cox was unaware that he had shrapnel injuries until two years ago. While undergoing exams at Tripler Army Medical Center after he had suffered a small stroke, doctors told Cox that shrapnel was lodged in his left thigh. After seeing X-ray images of shrapnel, he immediately recalled his wounds from the war.

Cox said there was no mention of shrapnel in his medical record, only treatment for minor wounds.

"They patched me up and put me back to work. That’s how it was in Vietnam," he said.

After living with shrapnel in his leg for 44 years, Cox opted to leave it in because it does not cause discomfort and surgery to remove it is considered high-risk. He said he also views the shrapnel as a sort of "memento" of the war.

Gabbard described Cox as someone who put his life on the line for the country and came home very humbly and honorably.

"The example that you have set is a great one for so many soldiers who are continuing to try to uphold this high standard and this legacy of service that you and your comrades have set forth for all of us," she said during the ceremony.

After the ceremony, Cox, who previously received two Bronze Star medals, said he was humbled by the awards and that he was just doing his job. Soldiers at the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks are trained to do their job with professionalism and with conviction, he added.