War hero finally gets citizenship

SOUTHPORT, N.C. - Like most small towns in America, Southport, North Carolina is rich in patriotism. And Southport is famous for their Fourth of July Festival.

So it's no surprise that a patriot, like retired Marine Corporal John Ochs, ended up here to fight the final battle in what became a war to establish his American citizenship.

Born to an American serviceman and an Italian woman in Naples, Italy more than 63-years ago, John's American citizenship came into question only recently when he inquired about his social security benefits. This after spending most of his life as a resident of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina where he met and married his wife Darlene.

Shortly there after he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. At the age of 21 he was deployed to Vietnam where he was wounded in one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Now forty years later, he stands in a long line of immigrants seeking naturalization.

"I don't mind the wait. It's been almost a year," Ochs said.

It's been almost a year that Ochs has been living as a man without a country. Even to this day he is subjected to one final indignation.

Ochs case is unique in the sense that this man was now taking an oath to do something he already has. Even though John was born in Italy, he is now, and really always has been, an American. Having proven his loyalty to this country on the battlefield in Vietnam, taking an oath for him is not just a pledge - it's more of a confirmation.

And at last it was official, John Ochs is now an American Citizen.

"He is an American Hero in every sense of the word and every bit as American as the Fourth of July," said Chief US Citizenship and Immigration Services John "Jack" Bulger.

"God bless this great nation. Mama, I got it. Thank you WAVY-TV 10. You all are the best," Ochs added.