PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient John Hurley Jr. to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point
Chicopee Marine Veteran Chosen to Represent Massachusetts’ Purple Heart Veterans at the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project
(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient has been selected to take part in the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Mission, a special program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, honoring America’s combat wounded. U.S. Marine Corps Corporal John Hurley Jr. of Chicopee, a Vietnam War veteran, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Massachusetts’ representative at a multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of American’s combat wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The all-expenses paid trip includes visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters, a special tour of the newly renovated National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other tributes to service.
“John and his fellow Patriot Project honorees are true American heroes,” said Richie Lay, a Purple Heart recipient and chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “America’s Purple Heart veterans have given so much to defend freedom and that sacrifice must always be remembered. We are privileged to be able to provide this unique salute to service for our Purple Heart heroes.”
“Our Purple Heart recipients have made enormous sacrifices for America and this is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation. For our Vietnam Veterans especially, this will be like the homecoming they never had. We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and we look forward to honoring John for his lifelong sacrifice and service to his community,” said Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), executive director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
When asked what his service meant to him, Mr. Hurley said, “It was an honor to serve our country. The pride of my service has lasted forever.”
Former Marine Cpl Hurley enlisted in February 1969. On January 6, 1970, while a member of 1st Battalion, 7Th Marines, 1st Marine Division stationed at LZ Ross the base became overrun by North Vietnamese who were masquerading as Marines. Hurley, who was in his foxhole with three fellow Marines, was injured when a NVA soldier ran past and threw a satchel charge into the hole. The attack left him with shrapnel wounds and damaged ear drums.
In addition to his Purple Heart, Mr. Hurley received numerous commendations and awards, including the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V.” He was discharged in May 1971. Hurley and his wife, Gail, raised three sons and are now the proud grandparents to six grandchildren. Hurley has since held leadership positions in the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Marine Corps League, American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America (DVA) and the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).
Hurley was nominated to take part in the mission by Brian Willette, Massachusetts honoree during the 2019 Purple Heart Patriot Project.
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located just north of West Point, New York, at the site where General George Washington first awarded the Medal for Military Merit in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The badge, shaped like a purple heart was the forerunner of today’s medal. In addition to the creation of the museum, supporters of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission were instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp now issued by the US Postal Service, and are leading the effort in Congress to pass the National Purple Heart Commemorative Coin Act.
Those wishing to learn more about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission or donate to support the Purple Heart Patriot Project should visit www.PurpleHeartMission.org.
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