John Hurley Jr.

John Hurley enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in February 1969.

On January 6, 1970, while a member of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division stationed at LZ Ross the base became overrun by North Vietnamese who were masquerading as Marines. Hurley, who was in his foxhole with three fellow Marines, was injured when a NVA soldier ran past and threw a satchel charge into the hole. The attack left him with shrapnel wounds and damaged ear drums.

In addition to his Purple Heart, Mr. Hurley received numerous commendations and awards, including the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V.”

Hurley has since held leadership positions in the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Marine Corps League, American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America (DVA) and the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).

During the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission, John Hurley served as Massachusetts' honoree.