purple heart

Absalom Kelly enlisted in the Army Air Forces in 1942. He completed basic training in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and went on to aerial gunner training.

Senator John McCain lived a life of patriotism through public and military service as a Navy Veteran, US Representative and Senator.

Melvin Lazarcheff served with the Army Air Corps and flew 33 missions from England over Germany with the 486th Bombardment Group between 1943 and 1944

At Omaha Beach an explosion knocked Charlie Olsen unconscious, leading to hearing damage, loss of smell, and eventually post-traumatic stress disorder.

Michael Riley worked assignments by General Westmoreland, who commanded American forces during the war and became the Chief of Staff of the Army.

On March 3, 1945, Robert Martin and 23 other Tuskegee Airmen conducted a mission in Slovenia and Austria. Robert’s plane was hit by antiaircraft fire.

A provision of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, known as the “Forever GI Bill,” extends education benefits to this group of Purple Heart recipients effective Aug.  1.

Griffith served two tours in Vietnam., as an infantry adviser of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and later as the executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

Bennie Adkins talks to us about joining the military, the days in Vietnam that led to his Medal of Honor, and the importance of taking care of Veterans.

Bert Poe saw combat in Korea and participated in special operations around the world but retired from the Marines after being wounded in action.

Stanley Nelson endured difficult conditions while held prisoner and was left to die. American forces found him and evacuated him for medical treatment.

He passed away in 1998. Today, Garlin Conner was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Houssen, France.