Since the Revolutionary War, the Purple Heart, the world's oldest military decoration in use, has been awarded to service members who have been wounded or killed during any action against an enemy of the United States.
NOTE 1: I have filed three separate requests (two under the Freedom of Information Act) with the Navy for a list of Cryptologic Technicians who have earned the Purple Heart in the Global War On Terror (Overseas Contingency Operations). The Navy (NNWC/OPNAV/Navy PAO) has yet to respond. If you are aware of a CT who has earned the Purple Heart, please leave me a comment.
NOTE 2: I received a note from Navy Safe Harbor - they don't maintain information on those wounded in combat. On 10 January 2010, I received a note from OPNAV stating that they are routing my request to another office for consideration.
Update: on 25 September 2018 - 8 1/2 years after my initial request - still no answer from the Navy on the number of CTs awarded the Purple Heart in Iraq and Afghanistan).
I have 5 on my list so far.
CTT1 Steven P. Daugherty (deceased)
CTM3 Matt O'Bryant (deceased)
CTI1 Aaron Windle (shot)
CT2 Chad Kueser (mortar round) lost both legs
CTRCS (SW/FMF) David B. McLendon (deceased)
3 comments:
Mike,
Not sure what time frame you're looking at, but your request reminded me that Chief Haas wore the Purple Heart. She and the other nine from the Sabana Seca incident are listed here: https://www.navycthistory.com/sabana_seca_bus_tragedy_1979_1.html
Hope that is of some help
CTTCM Michael Geortz is an additional CT who was awarded the purple heart. He is still active.
Mike, a bunch of guys got PH during Vietnam, and also those on the Liberty, Pueblo, and EC-121. To the best of my knowledge, there is no master list of those awarded the PH. Other Navy awards for valor are listed in a database at the National Archives (does NOT include any after 1994).
Post a Comment