Press Release: Local Purple Heart Recipient John Grand to be Honored with a Trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point

Green Valley Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Arizona’s Purple Heart Recipients During the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project

(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Army Captain (CPT) John Grand will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Arizona’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 National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other unique tributes.

“John and his fellow Patriot Project honorees represent the best of the best our country has to offer,” 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. These brave men and women are true American heroes. 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 John for his courage and service, both during combat operations and in the years since returning home,” said Col. Russ Vernon (NYARNG Ret.), the Executive Director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.

This year’s Patriot Project honorees include men and women Purple Heart recipients from World War II, the Vietnam War, Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and other conflicts, representing all branches of the service and ranging from 37 to 100-years-old. 

Asked what he would want others to know about his service, CPT Grand said, “I consider my service in the U.S. Army as the most significant 21 years of my life. Although I had other fulfilling episodes that I am proud of, my military career gave me an education and the satisfaction of being one of the guardians of the freedom we enjoy.”

Grand enlisted into the U.S. Army in December 1955 and served for the next seven years before being commissioned in June 1962 and continuing to serve another 14 years. Grand did two tours in Vietnam with A and C companies, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division operating in the Delta and Plain of Reeds areas of operations. During his second tour in Vietnam, Grand was assigned as the Charlie Company Commander. His daily duties included search and secure operations throughout the areas of operations, including a significant route for the North Vietnamese to carry out attacks on Saigon. On two separate occasions, Grand tripped booby trap explosives. The first one resulted in wounds to his legs below the knees. The second booby trap resulted in wounds between his knees and my waist. He later tripped a third booby trap that resulted in blown ear drums.

Along with his Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, CPT Grand was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Combat Infantry Badge, a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars for Valor, a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm.

Married, John Grand has held numerous leadership positions as a member of Toastmasters International. He also a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 442 where he is the Junior Vice Commander.  

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located just north of West Point, New York, near the site where General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The Badge, a purple cloth cut in the shape of a heart, was the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart 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 the nation’s first official Purple Heart Commemorative Coin series, which was issued by the United States Mint 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.

###

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PURPLE HEART HONOR MISSION

The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is an approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which supports a variety of programs to promote the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, pay tribute to our Purple Heart recipients, and educate all Americans about our combat-wounded veterans to ensure those who sacrificed for freedom are never forgotten. Learn more and support their efforts at www.PurpleHeartMission.org.