Harvey Mudd College Professor gets military medal after 63 years

Harvey Mudd College clinical professor of enginnering Carl Baumgaertner received a Silver Star for his service in World War II.

Baumgaertner was presented with the medal on a Veteran's Day Celebration at St. Paul Minn. St. Thomas Academy, where he went to military high school, Harvey Mudd College officials said in a news release.

The medal is the third highest military decoration for gallantry in action, officials said.

"It was one of the greatest shocks I've ever experienced in my life," Baumgaertner said in the news release. "I went to St. Paul to receive the first annual Flemming Award from St. Thomas Academy. When that grand ceremony was over, they called me back on stage 'to correct a 63-year-old error.' I couldn't believe what happened next. It was very moving."