Norwich — An Army veteran who flew more than 1,000 combat hours in just a year during the Vietnam War will receive two medals long overdue to him.

Retired Chief Warrant Officer Kjell Tollefsen of Killingworth, who flew with the 188th Assault Helicopter Company, later renamed C Company 101st Aviation Battalion, will be presented with two Air Medals on Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District. Tollefsen flew 1,098 combat hours in Vietnam between November 1967 and 1968, for which he earned the two medals.

When he realized, after being out of the service for many years, that he hadn't received them, he contacted Courtney's office. After two written requests to the Army, he received the medals.

Tollefsen was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame last year. Among other achievements, he was recognized for his help in coordinating the Vietnam 50th Commemoration, and the two-day Vietnam War commemoration at the New England Air Museum, a historic event attended by more than 10,000 people.

The medal ceremony will take place between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Norwich Veterans Coffee House, 87 Broad St.