Press Release: Sioux City Purple Heart Recipient Patrick Burgess to be Honored During National Tribute Event
Local Army Veteran Chosen to Represent Iowa’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 Sergeant (SGT) Patrick Burgess will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Iowa’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.
“Patrick 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 Patrick 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, SGT Burgess said, “My father, brothers and grandfather all served our country, and it was my honor to do the same. I served with great pride.”
Burgess enlisted into the U.S. Army in June 1967, right after high school. Because he was only 17 years old, his father had to sign for him. After basic training at Ft. Lewis Washington, Burgess was sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he received training in demolition and minesweeping. From there, he was deployed to Vietnam as a Combat Engineer with the 25th Infantry Division. Burgess and another soldier were assigned to an Infantry platoon to deal with demolition needs. During one mission, along a road from Dầu Tiếng to Tây Ninh, in February 1968, Burgess was wounded by a Viet Cong grenade. The blast left one other soldier wounded and claimed the life of another soldier.
Burgess returned to Vietnam in June 1969 with the 299th Combat Engineers. Hi unit was under a heavy siege when he arrived, and the 4th Infantry Division was pulled out, leaving only Combat Engineers. Burgess continued to serve as a demolition expert and did mine sweeping too, He continue to see action across the country, finally finishing his tour in An Khê in July 1970.
Along with his Purple Heart, SGT Burgess was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, two Vietnam Gallantry Crosses with unit citations, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and more.
Married and the father of two, Burgess has been involved in the ministry for 46 years, including serving as a Missionary around the world. Burgess holds a PhD in Christian Counseling and is board certified with the National Christian Counselors of America. He remains active, ministering still today.
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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