John "Todd" Swanson

John "Todd" Swanson enlisted into the U.S. Army in October 1967, serving for the next two years, including a tour in Vietnam.

In March 1969, while on patrol near Tranq Bang, South Vietnam, Swanson and others were concluding guard duty along the road when they were struck by an enemy ambush. Swanson, who was driving the APC he was in, and another squad member, but suffered severe wounds as a result of enemy small arms fire and RPGs.

Along with the Purple Heart, SGT Swanson was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, and more.

U.S. Army Sergeant (SGT) John “Todd” Swanson represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Oregon’s honoree during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.