Press Release: Lancaster Purple Heart Recipient Ted Craiglow Honored During National Tribute Event

Local Marine Corps Veteran Represented Ohio’s Purple Heart Recipients During the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project

(NEWBURGH, NY) – A local two-time Purple Heart recipient was recently honored as one of the nation’s 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Marine Corps Corporal (Cpl) Ted Craiglow represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Ohio’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.

“Ted 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 Ted 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, Cpl Craiglow said, “It’s an honor to be able to support your country, but it’s not easy. I took great pride in my service.”

Craiglow was drafted into the Marine Corps in September 1969, serving for nearly two years including a deployment to Vietnam. In April 1979, just two months into his time in Vietnam, Craiglow was on patrol in South Vietnam. After completing their patrol and returning to base, the base came under mortar fire. While making his way to a bunker, a mortar shell exploded near his position, resulting in shrapnel wounds. Later that same year, in October, Craiglow was on a company operation in Quang Nam Province. Craiglow’s squad was on point and taking heavy incoming fire from the enemy. About a half-mile up the hill where they were operating, Craiglow heard a loud “crack” and was knocked on his back. After a medic in the field administered aid, he was medivaced to Da Nang, before being taken to Japan and then on to Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Along with the Purple Heart, Cpl Craiglow was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the National Defense Service Medal, and more.

Married to his wife, Stephanie, since leaving the military Ted has been active in the veterans’ community including his local AMVETS Post 1985, VFW Post 1516, and American Legion Post 11. 

Video from the capstone “Welcome Home” rally can be found here: https://fb.watch/nqz4A4evzK/.

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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