A Vietnam veteran received service medals that were 37 years overdue on Saturday in Niles.

Congressman Fred Upton presented Gordon Oeming with the honor today at the Silverbrook Manor nursing home.

Oeming served three tours in Vietnam and will be receiving a total of nine service medals.

He was honorably discharged after his first tour then enlisted for an additional service -- returning to Vietnam two more times.

His daughter, with the help of Upton's office, was able to get her father the medals he was eligible for to recognize his service to the country.

“I never thought I’d be a hero,” said Captain Gordon Oeming.

Oeming’s daughter, Christina Herman, was attendance for the ceremony.

“I didn’t have a lot of fears as a kid because there was nothing my dad couldn't take...so I wasn't afraid of a lot of stuff cause I’m like yeah but he’s my dad, so bring the monsters, so its not a big deal, she said.”

Rep. Fred Upton added, “Here's a guy that when he came back, people spit on him and like so many that have gone to war that have come home to get back to their families he just wanted to come home, he got a little teary...we all did but umm it's great.”

Oeming went on to serve in the Army Reserves for nearly two decades after his time in Vietnam.