Created: 11/26/2008 6:18:18 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL - A Jacksonville grandfather was awarded the Bronze Star Wednesday, more than 58 years after being injured on the battlefield.
The eyes of Connor Wright Hollingsworth have seen a lot of life. But as a young lieutenant in the Korean War, that life was nearly lost as Hollingsworth led his fellow marines into battle.
He was shot-up on the front lines and nearly died. Dragged to safety by fellow Marines, Lieutenant Marvin Gardner, Corporal Leon Davis and Mike Rigsby.
On this day before Thanksgiving, after 58 years, Hollingsworth was awarded the Bronze Star with a gold "V" for Valor.
But this award ceremony at the West Jax Rotary Club might never have occurred had it not been for a fellow Marine locating Hollingsworth after fifty years.
"It's unfortunate it was overlooked for a number of years," said retired Lieutenant Colonel Marvin Gardner.
"And when I found out that no one in the company had been recommended for an award I initiated the action to recommend him for that!"
But Gardner says the Pentagon needed eye witnesses, and it took three more years to find other survivors and wade through a lot of red tape to get to this day.
Hollingsworth's family honored those men who pulled him to safety, and Connor, known as C.W. to his friends, humbly thanked all who took part in his award ceremony.
"Well I feel very, very honored to have all of this attention. I think it's far more than I probably deserve, but it's great to be here with all the people here that are interested!"
Hollingsworth's eyes have seen much over the many years since that day on the battlefield. With a little extra sparkle today, thanks to those who cared.
