The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Purple Heart image is the same. The sacrifice is the same. The heroism is the same. Our gratitude for these veterans is the same. Every August 7th we here in America honor the veterans who went above and beyond in the protection of their country and their families. This too is the same. It is a privilege on this day to say “thank you” always for the sacrifices you made for our country and our right as Americans. A right these Purple Heart men and women fought and died for.
Criteria for Receiving Purple Heart
The Purple Heart has a long list of criteria for eligibility – too long to list here. But, in general, it may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been wounded, killed in action, or have died or may die from wounds received in any action against the United States, action with an opposing armed force, the results of any hostile “foreign force” and many other situations where men and women in uniform may find themselves under attack.
In general, the Purple Heart is awarded for injuries sustained because of any enemy attack. Injuries sustained for other reasons not related to things “not caused by enemy agents” are generally not acceptable as grounds for receiving the Purple Heart, though friendly fire injuries do qualify as long as
the friendly fire was intended for the enemy. The Purple heart is now given to persons who are injured, wounded, or died while a prisoner of war (POW). veteran.com/purple-heart-day.
As we recognize Purple Heart Day this year, we take time out to honor some of our local heroes:
Specialist Fourth Class Ralph Wayne Broughman, United States Army, KIA February 7, 1965. (First area veteran from this area KIA in the Vietnam War). Purple Heart and Air Medal.
Tech Sargent Matthew Henry Menefee, Jr. United States Air Force – two Purple Hearts and Good Conduct Medal. Served June 20, 1960 to June 20, 1980. Retired as a Supervisor in the Communications Operation.
Willie Milton Blakey, United States Army. Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross Recipient, Republic of Vietnam Campaign and Vietnam Service Medal.
SGT Paul Wilson Craft, Jr. United States Army 1967-1968. Awarded three Purple Hearts. Purple Heart (Second Oak Leaf Cluster), Purple Heart (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), two O/S Bars, Bronze Star Medal – Outstanding meritorious service against a hostile force in the period August 1967 to August 1968. Also received Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
PFC Michael Lee Jenkins, United States Marine Corps, KIA February 25, 1969. Purple Heart. Bronze Star for acts of heroism or meritorious service. National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
SP4 Gary Michael Bishop, United States Army, Vietnam 1968-1969. Purple Heart for wounds received in action. Purple Heart Freedom’s Finest issued by USPO, US Army Good Conduct Medal, US Army Commendation Medal for Military Merit, Vietnam Service Medal with Battle Stars.
PFC Abraham Thompson, III, United States Army. Vietnam August 8, 1968 – August 8, 1970. Award of the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism. Purple Heart: Awarded: Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device – April 28, 1969, in the Republic of Vietnam. PFC Thompson distinguished
himself by valorous actions while serving as cannoneer for a 105-millimeter howitzer section.
We are a grateful nation that will never forget the sacrifices of these veterans and all the veterans who fought for the United States of America. God bless us all and a special “thank you” to all the families who honor their loved ones on this day.
The names listed above are only a few of the men and women from our area to receive the Purple Heart.
If you would like to see more of them honored, contact Marian Paxton at 843-653-6098 or via email at marianpaxton@gmail.com.
