A Del Mar man who went seven decades without knowing he was eligible for a Bronze Star for his World War II service is scheduled to receive the prestigious medal Monday from Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista.

According to Issa’s office, Robert Sulit’s wife told them he received something in the mail recently about his eligibility for the medal, so they checked into it and discovered it was for his wartime actions in Central Europe.

The Bronze Star is the fourth-highest military medal for valor.

Sulit, 89, was drafted into the Army and served from 1944-46. He later joined the Navy and rose to the rank of captain.

“It is truly an honor to pay tribute to Capt. Sulit for his bravery and commitment to fighting tyranny on behalf of our country,” Issa said. “My generation and each generation since will always owe a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices of our service members who put their lives and livelihoods on the line in the name of freedom.”

Sulit served in Company A, 69th Armored Infantry Battalion, 16th Armored Division, clearing mines from the Atlantic Wall — the German defensive zone along the beaches in France, Holland and Norway, and was a machine-gunner on a half-track vehicle, according to Issa’s office. He also met up with Russian soldiers in Frankfurt as the war in Europe drew to a close.