Discharged Soldier Has Record Cleared

A black Army sergeant dishonorably discharged 47 years ago by a white commander who thought he stole $3 worth of food had his stripes restored on Saturday.

“To have the wrong righted after all these years is something that I thank God for. I thank him that he allowed me to live long enough to see this through,” said 75-year-old Carlis Calvin.

Calvin was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1949 over the alleged theft.

President Clinton had ordered the discharge reversal and Gov. Frank Keating proclaimed Saturday as Carlis Calvin Day.

More than 200 gathered Saturday as Calvin joined five other vets in receiving overdue medals for military service.