PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient David Hugus to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point
Henderson Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Nevada’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 Colonel David Hugus, a veteran of the Vietnam and Cold wars, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Nevada’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.
“David 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 David for his lifelong sacrifice and service to his community,” said Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), executive director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
Reflecting on his 23-year military career, Col. Hugus encouraged young people entering to the service to, “Focus on the mission, protect your people, and prepare for life after the service.”
David Hugus entered the military in February 1966 and was first assigned to Germany. He joined the 101st Airborne in Vietnam on January 28, 1968, two days before the Tet Offensive started. During his first deployment to Vietnam, Hugus was stationed at a fire base in the vicinity of Phouc Binh. On March 4, while serving as a platoon leader, Hugus and his company came under attack. After the lead squad swept the area, Hugus prepared to report in the coordinates when a NVA opened fire and Hugus was hit by a round from a captured M79. The force of the impact sent Hugus flying 30 feet down range. After backup arrived, Hugus, finally able to relax for a moment, went into shock. After being evacuated to Fort Campbell, Hugus declined a surgeon’s recommendation to amputate his right leg above the knee, and one year later, after enduring extensive physical therapy, he took his first step unassisted. Two years later, Hugus would pass PT test, graduate from Jungle Expert School, and return to Vietnam for his second tour now as a member of the 25th Infantry Division. During his second tour, Hugus commanded a rifle company for seven months. Along with his Purple Heart, Col. Hugus was awarded numerous medals and commendations throughout his career, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and more.
While on active duty, Hugus received an MS and PhD in Operations Research Systems Analyst (ORSA) from the Naval Postgraduate School. Dr. Hugus is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and a volunteer mentor with the Henderson Veterans Treatment Court. He was nominated to take part in the Patriot Project Mission by MOPH Chapter 730 Commander Daniel Peterson.
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, the National Purple Heart Honor Mission was instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp now issued by the US Postal Service, and the organization was the driving force behind bipartisan legislation establishing the nation’s first official Purple Heart Commemorative Coin, which will be minted in 2022.
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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