OAKDALE — A fifth-grade class in Maplewood has taken up the cause of a 93-year-old World War II veteran who they say deserves a Purple Heart.

Russell Anderson of Oakdale was wounded by shrapnel during the D-Day invasion at Normandy. He was hospitalized for nine months.

He won three medals but no Purple Heart, which is awarded to U.S. soldiers wounded in battle.

Anderson spoke to Sara Paul’s class at Weaver Elementary School on Veterans Day. The kids were touched by his sadness when he talked about wanting a Purple Heart.

Anderson’s family hasn’t been able to get him one because they couldn’t track down the hospital paperwork the Army needs for verification.

So the students have launched a letter-writing campaign urging Minnesota lawmakers to help Anderson get the medal.