ÌÇÐÄVlog´«Ã½

As we were preparing for the end of summer, the Labor Day weekend and back to school activities, Purple Heart Day was, for the most part, overlooked.

Every year on Aug. 7, the United States recognizes those who were wounded or killed in combat while serving in the United States military. The Purple Heart medal is the oldest military award. It was established by George Washington in 1782 while leading the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Initially, the Purple Heart was awarded for meritorious service. In 1942, the award was reserved for those wounded or killed in battle.

Although the Purple Heart may not be an honor a veteran would welcome, it stands out as a tribute to those who served, sacrificed and, in some cases, gave the last full measure. A look around in nearly every American community will reveal brave veterans who received a Purple Heart and survived his or her wounds. These Purple Heart recipients assimilated back into their hometowns following their tours of duty to become members of the workforce, provide for their families and volunteer to help others.

There is no accurate count of the number of Purple Hearts awarded. National Geographic estimates the following:

• World War I 320,518
• World War II 1,076,245
• Korean War 118,650
• Vietnam War 351,794
• Persian Gulf War 607
• Afghanistan War 12,534
• Iraq War 35,411

Like many of our national days to honor good people and significant events, it could be argued that more than just one day could be reserved to remember and honor. A worthy example is Purple Heart Day.

Regardless of what state or community we live in there are veterans who have received a Purple Heart. They often don’t wear the award on their sleeve and prefer to go on in life without needing any recognition for their sacrifice.

Occasionally, we might learn long after their military service about a relative or friend who received a Purple Heart. There are scores of Purple Heart recipients in the ÌÇÐÄVlog´«Ã½ and Rock County area. Here are three recipients who were wounded in action during the Vietnam War.

Bill Pember of ÌÇÐÄVlog´«Ã½ served as a Navy corpsman assigned to tend to Marines wounded in battle. Attending to casualties during a firefight, Pember was wounded. He was airlifted to the USS Sanctuary, a fully-equipped hospital ship, where he was treated for five weeks.

He was sent back to the field and was wounded a second time. After recovering he was reassigned to the United States.

“I volunteered to serve, and I’m proud to have attended to wounded Marines,� Pember said. “What some people don’t realize is that the wounds we suffered were just as hard on our families back home. It was a tough time for all.�

R.K. Mitby of ÌÇÐÄVlog´«Ã½ was an Army infantryman. He received two Purple Hearts.

“I’m still not sure why I survived while so many others did not,� Mitby said. “I struggled with that, but then decided to dedicate my efforts to all those who suffered.�

Mitby dedicated his post-military career to education and served as a public school counselor and coach.

Another ÌÇÐÄVlog´«Ã½ veteran, John Kettle has the distinction of receiving three Purple Hearts. His desire to assist civilians was combine with his efforts to help his fellow First Air Cav soldiers and what he described as a war to contain communism. His dedication to serve led to his combat injuries and his willingness to stay in Vietnam when he could have been reassigned to the states.

“On one occasion I was wounded trying to help others reach safety,� Kettle said. “I probably should have sought cover, but I wanted to help others.�

Kettle could have rotated back to the states after his injuries, but he decided to remain in Vietnam.

“It was a duty I took very seriously,� he said. “I was not going to leave when there was still a job to be done.�

For those Purple Heart recipients who served and sacrificed, we should remember and honor them every year. We should also keep them in our thoughts on a regular and ongoing basis.