PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient Edward Gerasimowicz to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point
Mercerville Army Veteran Chosen to Represent New Jersey’s 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. Army Specialist Edward Gerasimowicz of Mercerville, a Vietnam War veteran, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as New Jersey’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-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.
“Ed 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 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 Ed 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 advice he would pass on to today’s generation of servicemembers, Mr. Gerasimowicz said, “Be open minded, be fair and be honest. Be true to yourself, your God and your country.”
On September 6, 1969, SPC Gerasimowicz had finished patrolling with his dog and was in camp when the warning sirens sounded and “Rockets in the air” blared out. As he was running for a bunker, a devastating explosion hit the base, launching Gerasimowicz into the air. When he recovered, he grabbed the unconscious soldier next to him and moved on to the bunker. Once there, a call went out signaling there were Viet Cong forces at the wire. Gerasimowicz scrambled to help secure the perimeter and while defending the camp, he was shot in the right leg. The explosion and the resulting firefight also left him with shrapnel in his hands, arms and both ankles.
After being discharged, Gerasimowicz worked for nearly three decades in a variety of law enforcement capacities, including as a Park Police officer, Lawrence Township Police Officer, and private security officer. Married for 47 years, Gerasimowicz is a proud father of 3. He is also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans United, the Vietnam Combat Veterans Coalition, and his local F.O.P. and P.B.A. SPC Gerasimowicz was nominated for this special recognition by his son, Daniel.
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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