Its because they’re black. While this man and all WWII vets do deserve praise and recognition for their incredible service to our country, this particular veteran came ashore undoubtedly after all fighting had ceased on the beaches. Black units served in support roles usually far behind friendly lines. The “barrage balloons” they deployed went up on the beaches to protect resupply efforts to the infantry and paratroop units that had already moved inland. Until every single surviving infantryman who survived the first, second, and third waves is recognized in the same capacity regardless of race, this is simply a politically correct thing to do. Shameful.
He’s the only surviving member of the 320th Battalion. 40 others are getting medals, too. So it’s possible that all the troops in the previous waves have rec’d recognition medals already. That was a long time ago. There probably aren’t many of them alive anymore.