Mac Military Veterans

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Comment by Martin R. Gluck on November 7, 2008 at 12:11pm

For the record: 1 year Psychology Intern [2d Lt.] Fitzsimons Army Hospital, year at university completing Ph.D.,3 years Clinical Psychologist Ft. Lewis Washington [1st Lt.] 1951-1956

Comment by John Jones on November 7, 2008 at 10:35am

For the record I am obviously not a veteran nor in the military, but I wanted to thank Martin for the history of the Purple Heart. I just wanted to let everyone know that this young whippersnapper learned something today.

Comment by Ed Waldrup on November 6, 2008 at 8:42pm

Bob, is that where the joke USAF means you sure are fooled came from? We all could use some mental floss in my view. Like you Bob, I had a love hate relationship too. It did help me understand this world better and people’s behavior. My mistake was not making my grades and being subject to the draft. I had three semesters of ROTC so I enlisted in the Air Force. I will confess that my great, great, great grandfather served in the American Revolutionary War and another great great grandfather served in the Civil War. My paternal grandfather was in WWI. My father was a multi engine pilot instructor in WWII. My younger and only brother was an electronic warfare instructor and crew member on B-52s at Merced and Carswell. I am proud of my family tradition and I am proud to have served. In fact there is a part of me that would like all qualified males to serve in some capacity before being allowed to vote. I know it's not that simple. Happy Veterans day to all. I hope Don Smith and Carl Stewart will join as they also served. I salute all of you.

Comment by Bob Dain on November 6, 2008 at 5:07pm

Hi, Ed and all. I'm a veteran of the USAF and the Korean War. I hated most every minute of it, but I did discover psychology and that's the field I started pursuing as soon as I got out. So, it wasn't all bad, was it?

Comment by Martin R. Gluck on November 1, 2008 at 6:44pm

In response to Ed's invitation, here is a very brief historyof the medal [drawn mostly from a much more detailed Wikopedia article.]

In August 1782 General George Washington ordered the creation of a Badge of Military Merit. It was to be heart shaped, made of purple cloth and edged with lace. Inclded in his General Order was this statement: "Let it be known that he who wears the miitary order of the purple heart has given his blood in the defence of his homeland and shall be ever revered by his fellow countrymen." Existing records indicate only three Revolutionar War soldiers received the award.

For unknown reasons the award was not used again until after World War I when there were several proposals for its resurection, including a Congresional Bill in 1927 that was withdrawn. In 1931 then Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur reopened the activities and saw to it that a design for the medal was created. On the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth by Executive Order the medal was activated by War Department General Order No. 3, dated 22 February 1789. It was awarded retroactively to veterans holding Citations for Meritorious Service or Wound Chevrons. The first new medal was awarded to General MacArthur.

Through 1943 the Purple Heart was awarded for both Meritorious Service or for Wounds. From thence forward, it was awarded only for wounds received. Until 1998 civilians operating with and under the control of the Armed Forces were also eligible for the Purple Heart. After 1998 the award was to be made only to members of the military for wounds received as a result of actions of enemies of the U.S. Thus the award is frequently made posthumously.

The details on the medal above Washington's head are his coat of arms.

Comment by Martin R. Gluck on October 30, 2008 at 1:45pm

Give me a few days and I will respond to your invite!

Comment by Ed Waldrup on October 29, 2008 at 6:53am

I was an electronic technician working on airborne Doppler radar and navigational computers in the Air Force in Viet Nam and Thailand. I was in the Jolly Green Giants Air Rescue and Recovery Service and The Military Airlift Command. I invite Martin to give the history of the Purple Heart etc.

Comment by Martin R. Gluck on October 28, 2008 at 8:47am

Why would anyone be insulted by the picture of a Purple Heart!
I wonder how many know the history of it and of the design? No - I was never in combat. Was in the Army MSC as a Psychologist.

Comment by Ed Waldrup on October 25, 2008 at 9:19am

Lest anyone be insulted... that icon is a purple heart and I have not earned one. I chose this as it is not specific to any branch of service and is certainly one of the highest honors one can earn.

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