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Local Hero Honored For Service In Korean War

GARDEN GROVE (CBSLA.com) — A Garden Grove veteran has been honored by the U.S. Postal Service for his heroism during the Korean War.

Tibor Rubin, 85, is now featured on a stamp sheet along with 13 other Korean War Medal of Honor recipients.

The Holocaust survivor and Korean War POW is credited with saving dozens of lives during the conflict.

In a video produced a decade ago, KCAL9's Michele Gile reports, Rubin shared how he encountered prejudice in the Army and was denied the commendation until a White House ceremony in 2005.

NCIS actor David McCallum, a friend of Rubin's, celebrated him for his selfless actions during the war, during which he saved as many as 40 fellow prisoners.

"Just to hear somebody say today that America is a country of kindness - I've never heard that until now and it's true with Tibor. He spent his whole life trying to do what he could for other people," McCallum said.

Robert Huntley said he was drawn to the military because of his uncle.

"He wasn't a citizen. He wasn't born in America. But he quickly acclimated to his fellow soldiers and was willing to give his life for the potential of being a citizen and living in America," Huntley said.

The newly issued Forever Stamps depict the medal worn around Rubin's neck.

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