Due to this, the group utilized a forward operating base where it could refuel at, then attack the enemy, return to refuel, and rearm and strike the enemy again before heading back to A-6. Beuzeville, Ste Mère Eglise or La Londe, a long way from Third Army which had reached eastern France after the Normandy breakout in late July, 1944. The group was still then based at Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) A-6 in Normandy, a.k.a. Patton Jr.’s Third Army, which was having a tough time against stiffening German resistance around Metz, France, after its epic dash across France after the breakout from Normandy. By September, 1944, he had flown in combat for about six months and had seen much action.Īt this phase in the war, the 371st Fighter Group, part of XIX Tactical Air Command, was supporting General George S. Henry Pax was an original member of the 406th Fighter Squadron who shipped across the Atlantic with his squadron and group in late-February, 1944. Pax, assigned to the 371st Fighter Group’s 406th Fighter Squadron. This year we share some information on one of our Purple Heart recipients, First Lieutenant Henry A. Most Purple Heart recipients are from when the wing was designated as the 371st Fighter Group, a P-47 Thunderbolt Group in the European Theater of Operations, but some are from the 123nd Fighter Squadron, mostly when it was designated as the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron which saw service in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations.
See “The Wing’s First Purple Heart,” at: According to partial records in the wing history office, around 60 men were awarded the Purple Heart, almost all during World War II. Purple Hearts of the 142nd Wing we take time on this day to remember the personnel assigned to the 142nd Wing through its 80-year history who were awarded this medal. and to ensure that their courage is never forgotten.” It’s a chance to reflect on the bravery of those who have fought for the U.S. Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014 and has been observed every year since. In total there have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded over the years.
The first service member to be given the modern Purple Heart was General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II. It was in 1944 that the policy was tweaked slightly and the Purple Heart was given the purpose we know it for today, specifically to honor those who have been wounded or died. As well as honoring those wounded in combat, this iteration of the Purple Heart recognized commendable action. The Badge of Merit faded from use but was revived and launched in 1932, this time as the Purple Heart. Washington only gave out three of the badges himself, and instead authorized subordinates to issue the badges as they saw fit. The honor is presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” It was designed with a piece of silk bound through it with a thin edge of silver. There was a lack of funds in the Continental Army at the time so the award was a way to honor enlisted and deserving people. George Washington awarded the original Purple Heart, designated as a Badge of Merit, in 1782. It is a time to remember the cost of freedom and the service and sacrifice necessary to protect our land and people.įrom the Disabled Veterans National Foundation website, this description of the award and the day: Today is National Purple Heart Day, which is celebrated each August 7.
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