By Jon Herskovitz AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Dozens of people who survived a 2009 shooting rampage at the Fort Hood U.S. Army base in central Texas and relatives of those who were killed received Purple Heart and Defense of Freedom medals on Friday after years of lobbying by politicians and lawyers. In February, the U.S. Army cleared the way for the military and civilian distinctions after the shooting was declared an act of international terrorism.. Nearly 50 awards were handed out at the base. In addition to the medals, the awards also confer additional benefits, from Veterans Health Administration health care and combat-related special compensation to burial privileges at Arlington National Cemetery, lawyers for the group have said. Of our honorees, it can truly be said that all gave some and some gave al on that terrible day,” Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland, the commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood, said at the ceremony.
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