73 Years Later, Korean War Veteran From Minnesota Receives Purple Heart Medal
🎖️After 73 years, a Minnesota veteran is finally receiving the Purple Heart he earned in the Korean War! His story will amaze you. 🇺🇸 #GreatestGeneration #KoreanWarVet #PurpleHeart
St. Peter, MN – A Minnesota man who fought bravely in the Korean War is at long last getting the recognition he deserves. 96-year-old Earl Meyer of St. Peter will finally be awarded a Purple Heart medal, an incredible 73 years after being wounded in battle.
Shrapnel Still in His Leg
Back in June 1951, Meyer was hit by shrapnel from a mortar round while fighting in Korea. Amazingly, he still has bits of metal lodged in his thigh to this day. “It bothers me a little now and then, but I don’t let it slow me down much,” he told reporters with a chuckle.
At the time, the young soldier was more focused on survival than medals. Amidst the chaos of combat, the paperwork for Meyer’s Purple Heart got lost in the shuffle. The medic who treated his wounds on the battlefield is believed to have been killed before he could file the proper forms.
Daughters Fought for His Medal
Meyer’s three daughters knew their dad had been injured in the war, but like many modest veterans, he rarely spoke about it. About a decade ago, he began sharing more stories with them. That’s when they realized he should have received a Purple Heart and started working to make it happen.
“We’re awfully excited,” daughter Sandy Baker said to reporters. “My sisters and I have been working on this for about eight or nine years.” They reached out to officials and gathered evidence to support Meyer’s case.
Top Officials Got Involved
After years of roadblocks and red tape, the daughters’ persistence paid off. Senator Amy Klobuchar championed Meyer’s cause, and even the U.S. Army’s highest ranking enlisted soldier, the Sergeant Major of the Army, took an interest.
A federal judge ordered the Army to take another look at the case. This time, they agreed the evidence proved “beyond a reasonable doubt” that Meyer had earned the Purple Heart for his combat wounds over 70 years ago.
More Than Just a Medal
For Meyer, this is about more than a medal. It’s about honoring the sacrifices of those who served alongside him, especially those who never made it home. “It’s not just about saying thank you, it’s about remembering,” his attorney said to a reporter. “Remembering all they did and their sacrifices, and the guys that didn’t make it back.”
These days, Meyer remains active in his community and regularly meets fellow veterans for coffee at the local American Legion post. Soon, he’ll have a Purple Heart to wear proudly on his chest – an overdue but well-deserved symbol of his courage under fire so many decades ago. Thank you for your service, Earl!
🗣 Want to honor a veteran in your life? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
