Press Release: Missoula Two-Time Purple Heart Recipient Steven "Gus" Gustuson Honored During National Tribute Event
Local Navy Veteran Represented Montana’s Purple Heart Recipients During the
2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project
(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local Purple Heart recipient was recently honored as one of the nation’s 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Navy Radioman Third Class Steven “Gus” Gustuson represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Montana’s representative at the 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 included 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.
“Gus 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 were 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 was our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation. For some, it was the homecoming they never had. We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and we were pleased to honor Gus 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 included 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. The event took place between September 18 – 22 in New York.
Asked what he would want others to know about his service, RM3 Gustuson said, “Serving our country helped me develop communications skills and accept higher levels of responsibility.”
Gustuson enlisted in the Navy in August 1965 and served for the next four years including deployments during Operations Sea Lords and Giant Slingshot. In February 1969, Gustuson was first wounded while sweeping for enemy mines in the Long Xtuin AO. A B40 rocket hit the coxswain's flat, resulting in shrapnel wounds in left side of my head. Approximately a month later, while sweeping Vi Thaug he was wounded from shrapnel from another B40 rocket and an RPG. Along with his two Purple Hearts, RM3 Gustuson was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” and more.
Married, Gustuson is the father of two children. Since leaving the military, Gus continues to serve his fellow veterans as a member of the Montana Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) and has helped instill the values of leadership and service in young men through as a leader in the Boy Scouts.
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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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.