QUINCY, ILL. -- An Operation Iraqi Freedom soldier finally got the medals he's been waiting for.

Specialist Kevin Gerding received his Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge this afternoon from Congressman Aaron Schock. Gerding was injured back in December of 2008.

"My convoy got hit with an IED or grenade, and from that, me and the other two guys that were in my truck, we both got injured, not severely, so that's how we came about it," said Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Specialist Kevin Gerding.

It took so long for Gerding to get his medals because of a paperwork mix-up.  Congressman Aaron Schock said that it's important Specialist Gerding received the medals, even though they are more than a year and a half over due.

"It's important to recognize people who have made sacrifices for our country for our freedom. At the end of the day, when people go into the combat zones that they do and make these sacrifices, we as a country owe it to them to recognize them for their valor and for their sacrifices," Congressman Aaron Schock said.

The Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who are wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States.