Vietnam Veteran receives his third Purple Heart – twice
Gus Allbritton was awarded three Purple Hearts during his Vietnam tour. He kept one in a jar. His home was burglarized…then…40 years later…
Johnnie Jones, civil rights icon, gets Purple Heart 77 years after World War II wounds
It’s been 77 years and Johnnie Jones still sees the German sniper who tried to kill him as he came ashore on Omaha Beach for D-Day. “I remember it all,” he said. “Sometimes reminiscing is a terrible thing. I close my eyes at night and still see him. I lay down at night and as soon as I close my eyes, I relive the whole [...]
Vietnam Purple Heart Veteran reflects on service, transition, family
Purple Heart Veteran Thornell Billingslea served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. As we celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, VA says to all Vietnam Veterans, “Welcome Home.”
Vietnam Purple Heart Veteran lets wood do the talking
Vietnam Purple Heart Veteran John Barbazon remembers being put in a body bag. With a remarkable hobby and mental health help from VA, he is sharing his story and recovery to help other Veterans.
World War II Purple Heart Veteran, 95, says “Each day is a gift”
Army Veteran Bob Levine was hesitant about telling his family that he had been wounded and captured and that his foot had been amputated. He considers “each day a gift” and sends Veterans to VA.
Felix Garcia: Honor the Purple Hearts
Felix Garcia joined the Marine Corps and deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shrapnel wounds from an attack in November 2005 led to his medical discharge. After service, Garcia became active in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes.
Purple Heart finds home in library special collection
A great story about how VA, a Purple Heart organization…and the internet…helped the relative of a WWII Army Veteran find a home for his Purple Heart in a library’s special collection.
Purple Heart Veteran receives “artificial larynx”
Purple Heart Veteran David Causey received Birmingham VA’s first “artificial larynx.” It substitutes sound/vibration in the absence of a voice box. “I am so happy VA allowed me to get this.”
WWII Veteran creates program for Post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients
The Veteran Toolbox Program provides Veterans with toolboxes filled with more than $600 of tools to help with their transition from the military.
Johnny come home: a Purple Heart returned
The story of John Efstis' Purple Heart emerged in March 2019 when the medal was found outside Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, and handed over to a volunteer at the information desk. Here is the story of how it was returned to Efstis' family.
Overton Brooks VA: This purple heart has a name
Overton Brooks VA recently received a Purple Heart medal with potential MIA soldier's name on back. Now the search to find family, return medal.
Purple Heart recipients added to VA priority claim process
Purple Heart recipients who submit initial disability compensation claims on or after April 1, 2019, will be added to nine categories of emergent claims requiring priority processing from VBA.
