PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient Leonard Crosby to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point

Post Falls Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Idaho’s Purple Heart Veterans as Part of the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project

(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Army Captain Leonard Crosby of Post Falls, a Vietnam War veteran, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Idaho’s 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-expense-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.

“Leonard 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.”

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“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 some, this will be like the homecoming they never had. We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and we look forward to honoring Leonard 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. Crosby said he was, “proud to serve his country in combat.” He also encouraged younger Americans to “give back to our country in some way. Either through service in the military, service in their community, or through their profession.”  

Leonard Crosby was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1964, serving until 1970. During the Vietnam War, Crosby served two tours of duty, the first as a Platoon Leader with the 4th Infantry Division and the second as a Company Commander with the 101st Airborne Division. His service included action during Operation MacArthur, the Tet Offensive, Operation Nevada Eagle, and more. In April 1968, then-1Lt Crosby was wounded by shrapnel from an enemy mortar round. Later, Crosby would be shot in the neck by an enemy sniper. Along with his Purple Heart, CPT Crosby received numerous awards and commendations, including a Silver Star, two Bronze Star Medals, the Soldier’s Medal and more.  

After leaving military service, Mr. Crosby worked in banking and finance, and became active in his community. He has served on numerous commissions at the local and state level, as well as several non-profit boards. Crosby is also involved in veteran’s organizations, including the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled Veterans of America, and the American Legion. Crosby has also been a leading advocate to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to construct a veteran’s home that will serve veterans throughout northern Idaho. He was nominated for the Patriot Project by his wife, Mary.

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 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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