WWII Veteran Finally Awarded Purple Heart After 70-Year Wait

Earl Meyer, a 96-year-old WWII veteran, has finally been awarded the Purple Heart medal after a 70-year wait. Meyer was wounded in combat in June 1951, but the Army had previously denied his request for the medal due to insufficient documentation.

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By Steve Karnowski, Mark Vancleave and Melissa Perez Winder

St. Peter US, Nov 11 AP - Earl Meyer's service to his country during the Korean War is an indelible part of history, but his personal battle for recognition carries on more than seven decades later. The 96-year-old veteran vividly recalls the harrowing day when his platoon came under heavy mortar fire in June 1951—a memory made all the more enduring by the shrapnel that remains embedded in his thigh to this day. Despite providing substantial documentation to support his claim of being wounded in combat, Meyer continues to await acknowledgement from the U.S. Army with a Purple Heart medal.

Meyer's pursuit of recognition underscores a broader issue faced by many veterans who struggle to receive medals they believe they have rightfully earned. The fog of war, lack of records, and passage of time often conspire against these individuals, making it difficult to produce proof that meets military standards. In April, an Army review board issued what was termed as a final rejection of Meyer's request due to "insufficient documentation," despite doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs supporting his account.

A Veteran’s Persistence

In response to this denial, Meyer took an uncommon step: he filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense and the Army in September. While typically reticent about discussing wartime experiences—as is common among many veterans—it was only over recent years that he opened up about them with family members who then encouraged him to seek out this long-overdue honor.

An Ongoing Battle

The initial reluctance by Meyer stems partly from feeling that others had suffered greater injuries than himself; however, influenced by his daughters' urging and perhaps seeking closure after all these years, he decided it was worth fighting for what he deserved. His daughter Sandy Baker believes obtaining the Purple Heart will provide her father with much-needed closure.

The Bureaucratic Hurdles

Meyer faces significant bureaucratic challenges as each military branch has its own unique approval process which becomes increasingly complex once a veteran has left service. Tony Cross from American Legion notes such cases are rare but not unheard-of within their organization which aids veterans with disability claims and appeals.

New Developments Amidst Litigation

Following requests for comment on Meyer’s case made by The Associated Press, Sgt. Maj. Michael Weimer's office announced plans for another review into Meyers' situation—a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing litigation where public affairs officials typically refrain from commenting.

A Lifetime Of Service And Sacrifice

Meyer's military career did not end following his injury; he continued serving until being honorably discharged in 1952 after having guarded prisoners of war among other duties—his courage earning him decorations including Combat Infantryman Badge and Congressional Gold Medal for prior World War II service as part of Merchant Marine.

The Road Ahead For Earl Meyer

Despite setbacks including denials even after Senator Amy Klobuchar intervened on behalf of Mr.Meyer—the fight continues both legally through courts and politically with Klobuchar vowing not to give up on honoring Earl Meyers’ sacrifice appropriately.