Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7th and is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who were recipients of The Purple Heart. The Purple Heart, in general, may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded, killed in action, or have died or may die from wounds received in any action against the United States.

Click on the image of PDFs below to download the document and access embedded links to content!

FEATURED VETERANS:

HAROLD JOHNSON: World War II Paratrooper

US Army soldier Harold Johnson served as a paratrooper in Europe during World War II. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of Wobbelin Concentration Camp, and received a Purple Heart. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

Harold Johnson was featured in a Follow in the Footsteps. This is part of our award winning Operation Physical Education project.

JOE PEREZ: Vietnam War Rifleman

U.S. Marine Corp Corporal Joe Perez served as a frontline rifleman during the Vietnam War. He is a 3 time Purple Heart recipient and discusses coming home. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

RICK “DOC” CAMPBELL: Vietnam War Corpsman

US Navy HM1 Rick Campbell served as a corpsman during the Vietnam War.  He was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm for his service. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

RICH BERNIER: Korean War Corporal

US Army Corporal Rich Bernier served on the front lines of the Korean War. He received serious shrapnel wounds when a nearby bunker took a direct hit from a mortar. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

JOE LAMY: Vietnam War Combat Medic

Army E5 Joe Lamy served in Cam Ranh Bay and Xuan Loc as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. He earned two Purple Hearts during his service with the 11th Army Armored Cavalry Regiment – “Blackhorse”. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

HAROLD WEIR: World War II POW

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Harold Weir served in Europe during World War II. He was struck eight times by enemy fire, but survived his wounds, subsequent capture, and five months as a POW in the infamous Stalag 17 before receiving a Purple Heart. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

LEWIS BOTTANDO: Vietnam War Heavy Gunner

US Army soldier Lewis Bottando served  as a heavy gunner in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He earned three Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars during heavy jungle combat. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Our Operation Education volunteers have compiled resources to commemorate many different months on the academic and American calendars. Click the link below to explore more!