Untold Stories: National Purple Heart Day and Wounded US Heroes

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“When you lose a battle buddy you try to pick up more of your battle buddies and try to move on.” —Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient John Footman

Since today is National Purple Heart Day, commemorating all those who have earned one of the oldest American military honors, I wanted to share a few stories of Purple Heart recipients.

Former Army medic James McCloughan saved 10 soldiers’ lives during a Vietnam War battle, a remarkable feat, and received the Purple Heart.

Make the Connection shared stories of Purple Heart recipients, including a Marine they simply call Justin. Justin was seriously wounded during a “routine combat patrol in Iraq.” His fellow Marines thought he was dead when sniper fire hit him behind his left ear. “I’m only here because a young Navy corpsman showed amazing courage under fire and saved my life,” Justin said.