Press Release: Granby Purple Heart Recipient to be Honored During National Tribute Event

Local Navy Veteran Chosen to Represent Massachusetts’ 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. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class James Bouchard will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Massachusetts’ 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.

“James 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 James 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, HM2 Bouchard said, “We did the best we could, given the circumstances.”

Bouchard enlisted in the Navy in February 1967 and served for the next three years as a member of the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Division, including a tour in Vietnam. In August 1969, while engaged in fighting in the Hiep Duc Valley. While making his way to assist a wounded Marine, HM2 Bouchard leapt over the Marine and was hit with rounds from an AK-47 burst. While continuing to treat the wounded Marine, Bouchard used his radio to call for help. Along with his Purple Heart, HM2 Bouchard was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the, Bronze Star with “V,” the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Media with Device, and more.

Married to his wife, Sue, the couple have 3 children and 10 grandchildren. Since leaving the military, James Bouchard continues to serve his fellow veterans as Commander for the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) chapters. He also volunteers at the local V.A. hospitals.

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.

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