94-Year-Old Korean War Veteran Awarded Purple Heart 73 Years After Being Wounded

Earl Meyer, a 94-year-old Korean War veteran from Minnesota, has finally been awarded the Purple Heart medal, 73 years after being wounded in combat in June 1951. The U.S. Army reversed its previous decision and granted Meyer the Purple Heart, which honors service members wounded or killed in combat, despite a lack of records documenting his injury.

Meyer still carries shrapnel in his leg from when he was wounded during a mortar attack in the war. His combat medic died before any paperwork could be filed, which is why Meyer went decades without receiving the Purple Heart. Meyer was honorably discharged in 1952 but never received the medal.

It wasn't until Meyer's daughters started campaigning on his behalf that the Army began to reconsider his case. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota also championed Meyer's cause. After years of rejected applications due to insufficient documentation, the Army's top noncommissioned officer, the Sergeant Major of the Army, took an interest in the case and ordered a review.

The Army's review board concluded that new evidence, including records from the Department of Veterans Affairs showing the shrapnel in Meyer's thigh was from a combat injury, and a memo from the Sergeant Major of the Army, established "beyond reasonable doubt" that Meyer was wounded in action and deserved the Purple Heart.

Why this matters: Meyer's case highlights the challenges that many wounded veterans face in getting the recognition they deserve for their service and sacrifice, especially when records are scarce and significant time has passed. The Army's decision to award Meyer the Purple Heart 73 years later is an important acknowledgment of his bravery and the sacrifices made by countless veterans.

The Army notified Meyer on April 22, 2024 that he will be awarded the Purple Heart in a presentation ceremony planned for the near future. "I'm proud to have served my country," Meyer said upon learning he would finally receive the medal. At age 96, Meyer continues to be an active member of the American Legion in his hometown of St. Peter, Minnesota, where he has lived his entire life except for his military service.

Key Takeaways

• 94-year-old Korean War veteran Earl Meyer awarded Purple Heart 73 years late
• Meyer wounded in 1951 combat, but lack of records delayed medal for decades
• Daughters' advocacy and Senator Klobuchar's support led to Army review and award
• New evidence, including shrapnel in Meyer's leg, confirmed his combat injury
• At 96, Meyer continues to be active in American Legion in his hometown