The family of a Chester soldier killed in Iraq has a new hope that he will one day be posthumously honored with a Purple Heart.

Barbara Allen says she feels "very lucky to have been loved" by her husband, Lt. Louis Allen.

Nearly 15 years ago, Louis Allen and Capt. Phillip Esposito, of Rockland County, were killed in Iraq by an exploding mine in a suspected fragging incident. Staff Sgt. Alberto Martinez stood trial for both deaths but was acquitted.

Barbara Allen says she and her four sons have been battling for years for Louis Allen to be posthumously awarded a Purple Heart. The family says someone high up in government recently joined their fight.

The family says they have submitted the request for the Purple Heart several times and say each time is just as emotional. They say they have been rejected in the past because they were told Purple Hearts are just for those killed fighting the enemy.

But Barbara Allen says she won't stop her fighting until her late husband gets the award she feels he deserves.