PRESS RELEASE: Local Purple Heart Recipient Thomas "T.C." Smith to be Honored with Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point

Williamsburg Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Virginia’s Purple Heart Recipients

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 (COL) Thomas “T.C.” Smith will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Virginia’s representative at a multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’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.

“T.C. 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 T.C. for his sacrifice and lifelong service to his community,” said Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), executive director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.

Asked what service meant to him, COL Smith said, “My military service provided me an opportunity to give back to our great country. There is no calling higher than service to the country. The experience taught me to understand the true meaning of trust – trust in each other, whether he or she is in the next fighting position or flying as part of your flight crew. It is something that is never talked about but everyone who has ever served in combat clearly understands. Veterans, particularly combat veterans share a bond that few will ever fully appreciate.”

Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 9, 1967, and served for more than 25 years, including tours in Vietnam, Germany, Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Washington, D.C., and the Philippines. Three years after being commissioned, on May 9, 1971, Smith was flying as a co-pilot of a OH-58A on a “last light” visual reconnaissance scouting mission in the vicinity of the U-Mihn Forest (aka “the Delta). During the flight, the Command-and-Control aircraft directed Smith’s helicopter to make a low level, high speed pass at a suspected enemy position to identify the location of any Viet Cong positions. Upon completing its first run, the Smith was directed to conduct a Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) of the targeted area. While conducting the BDA, Smith’s helicopter received intense, concentrated fire from automatic weapon - sustaining 43 direct hits, including one round that struck Smith in the leg. Along with his Purple Heart, COL Smith was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters and more.

After his service career, Smith worked as a program manager and small business owner. He also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader, and was involved in a number of community programs, including being the Chairman of the Herndon-Dulles Chamber of Commerce, a mentor with Wounded Warriors Fort Eustis, a mentor with the ROTC program at The College of William and Mary and Christopher Newport University. Smith is the current commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Chapter 1754 – Williamsburg, VA; as well as commander of the MOPH Department of Virginia, and Chief of Staff for the MOPH Region One. Smith is also a proud father of two and loving grandfather of five.

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 Badge of 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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