SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A Northern California congresswoman says a black Navy veteran credited with saving the lives of some of his
shipmates during a battle in World War II will be getting a
long-awaited medal for his heroism.

U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo said Thursday that after a delay of 66
years, Carl Clark of Menlo Park will be awarded the Navy and Marine
Corps Commendation Medal with the Combat Distinguished Device in January.

Clark was serving as a steward aboard the USS Aaron Ward in May
1945 when Japanese kamikazes attacked near Okinawa.

Though he suffered a broken collarbone in the attack, Clark was
credited with dragging men to safety and dousing a fire in an
ammunition locker that could have sunk the ship.

The congresswoman and the 95-year-old Clark both say the
recognition took so long because of racism.