To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

UTICA, N.Y. -- A World War II veteran received a special honor Tuesday as he was presented with an American flag which flew over the U.S. Capitol.

Harrison Charles Preston served as a third mate on a ship in the American and Pacific theaters during the last years of the war. Congressman Richard Hanna presented the flag to Preston, noting the extraordinary efforts Merchant Marines underwent to supply troops.

Preston was also honored with a Congressional certificate thanking him for his service.

Preston said, “This is really, this will be, in my passing, this will be at the New Hartford Legion on display and I plan to leave it with them so it will always be there.”

Merchant Marines had the highest death rate of any group during World War II. One in every 26 sailors lost their lives.