Thomas Somma honored with new medals for WWII service

TAMPA - A World War II veteran is being honored for his service to his country.

Thomas Somma was moved to tears during a ceremony at his South Tampa assisted living facility Tuesday night.

The was awarded several new medals Including a purple heart, for his service in WWII  in Germany

But the original medals had become worn after all these years.

Tuesday night, he was presented with new medals.

Somma got emotional when thinking about his time in the war.

“If I had to do it, I'd do it over again. I'd do it over again. I lost my two best friends,” he said.

Somma's assisted-living facility came together to raise the money for the new medals.

The University of Tampa ROTC Department was responsible for getting the new medals and having them mounted.