GOLDEN VALLEY — The family of a Twin Cities-area World War II veteran has surprised the 81-year-old with a ceremony to present military medals he earned but had never received.

Jon Rognholt of Golden Valley received a National Defense Service Medal, a good conduct medal and an occupation medal on Saturday, more than half a century after he served in the U.S. Army.

Rognholt thought he was getting dressed up for a photo with his children. They surprised him with the ceremony at the senior living center in Golden Valley where he now lives.

His son said Rognholt was a tank mechanic in the Army. He was discharged in 1955 after becoming ill.

His son said Rognholt has had three heart attacks and his family wanted to “celebrate his life face to face.”