James Bouchard

James Bouchard enlisted in the Navy in February 1967 and served for the next three years as a member of the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Division, including a tour in Vietnam.

In August 1969, while engaged in fighting in the Hiep Duc Valley. While making his way to assist a wounded Marine, HM2 Bouchard leapt over the Marine and was hit with rounds from an AK-47 burst. While continuing to treat the wounded Marine, Bouchard used his radio to call for help.

Along with his Purple Heart, HM2 Bouchard was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the, Bronze Star with “V,” the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Media with Device, and more.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (HM2) James Bouchard represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Massachusetts' honoree during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.