Purple Heart M a g a z i n e September/October 2011 Medal of Honor Recipient Convention Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry Coverage Life Member Inside PurpleOfficial Publication of theHeart Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc. M A g A z I n e tableofcontents Vol. LXXVI, Number 5 september/october 2011 4 National Commander’s Note 6 National Jr. Vice Commander’s Note 7 National Service Officer 8 Editor’s Corner 9 Mail Call 10 Someone You Should Know 14 18 11 Introducing Charlotte Taylor 12 The Surrender at Courtemaggiore MISSION Statement 38 14 The Search for a WWII The mission of The military American Hero order of the Purple heart is to foster an environment of goodwill 16 On Being Wounded and camaraderie among Combat Wounded Veterans, promote Patrio- 18 Convention Coverage tism, support necessary legislative Medal of Honor Recipient initiatives, and most importantly, 22 provide service to all veterans and 25 Honoring America’s First their families. Responders MOPH VISION STATEMENT 26 Paws & Stripes “moPh is to undertake a Pro-Active Representation in all forums of public 27 Purple Heart Statistics opinion that will consistently seek to improve the status and stature of its 29 28 News & Gatherings Veteran members, their dependents, families and survivors.” 38 Book Review 39 VA Study Acceptance of advertising contained 40 LAMOPH National herein does not imply endorsement nor Sr. Vice President 26 attest to the efficacy of advertised prod- ucts by the military order of the Purple 41 LAMOPH National Chaplain heart or any of its members or staff. 46 Taps Cover photograph courtesy of the 22 White house Press office September/October 2 0 1 1 PurPle Heart Magazine 3 National Commander’s Note by Bill hutton moving forward in the “Year of the Volunteer” He Military OrdeR of the Purple Heart National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., is now behind us and we can continue to move forward to serve our veterans and their families. The overwhelming success of this past convention was due to the hard work of so many Tfrom the Department of Minnesota to the dedication of our headquarters staff, who pro- vided support on all fronts. Many convention attendees do not see the long hours and hard work behind the scenes that transform the venue into a friendly gathering place for our business meetings and social gatherings. Congratulations to the Department of Minnesota for hosting the finest na- tional convention that I have ever attended. It is now time to roll up our sleeves and get back to events together. We are so much stronger and effective the work for which the 85th Congress chartered us in when we work together as a unified team in support of 1958 as a Veteran’s Service Organization. I sincerely be- our organizational goals. lieve that our organization provides the finest and most I would like to thank PNC Clayton Jones for his guid- professional service to our veteran community without ance and friendship throughout this past year. The man- question. The National Service Director, Frank Van Hoy, tra over the past three years has been “move the Order reports that during the 12 months of FY 2011, our Na- forward with restored integrity and credibility.” The tional Service Officers received a total of 17,940 approved torch has been passed and the flame will not only stay claims from the VA for over $227,632,000 in benefits on lit but, will continue to shine brighter. The member- behalf of our veterans. Compared to last fiscal year, an- ship could not have elected two finer officers than Bruce nual claim submission increased by 23%, new Power of McKenty and Ron Siebels to carry this torch. Both have Attorneys increased by 24% and total dollars recovered demonstrated their passion for service to our country, increased by 13%. our Order and our veterans. I am honored and privileged The management team has declared this to be the to serve with both. “year of the volunteer.” The efforts of our chapters and In closing, may I express how grateful I am to the mem- departments in assisting veterans are nothing short bership for their confidence in electing me as the National of incredible. As I traveled to chapter and department Commander. Thank you all for your service and may God events, I observed the compassion shown by our mem- watch over those members of our military in harm’s way. bers toward our heroes past and present. Both MOPH For those who lost a loved one this past year, our prayers and Ladies Auxiliary members attended many of these are with you. U MOPH new cHaPters as of June 30, 2011 Charter Date Region Dept Chapter Chapter Name Location Organizer 6/30/2011 6 TX 0867 Brazoria County Angleton, TX Sonya T. Broadway 4 PurPle Heart Magazine September/October 2 0 1 1 Purple Heart Magazine© ISSN: 0279-0653 September/October 2011 Official Publication of the MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART OF THE U.S.A., Inc. Chartered by Act of Congress Russell smith, editoR lollo schnittgeR nylen, PRoduction manageR Jeff tamaRkin, coPy editoR e-mail: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS, CHANGE OF ADDRESS, REPORT OF MEMBERS DEATH: Contact MOPH National Headquarters at 5413-B Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151; Phone (703) 642-5360; Fax (703) 642-1841, (703) 642-2054; Email: [email protected]. NEWS, PHOTOS, EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS and CORRESPONDENCE: The Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc. (MOPH) is comprised of combat-wounded veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal by the Government of the United States. Purple Heart Magazine is the official publication of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc., a Congressionally chartered national veterans organization. Copyright 2011 by Military Order of the Purple Heart, Inc. All rights reserved. The cost of a subscription to Purple Heart Magazine is included in the membership dues paid by members. Rates for non-members in the United States and its possessions are $15 per year (6 issues) or $3 per single issue; in other countries, $25 per year, which includes postage. Published bi-monthly. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address information to: Purple Heart Magazine, 5413-B Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. Postage for periodical mailing of Purple Heart Magazine is paid at Springfield, VA and at additional mailing offices. NATIONAL OFFICERS 2011-2012 NATIONAL COMMANDER COMMANDER – REGION VI JUDGE ADVOCATE CHAPLAIN PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE WILLIAM HUTTON (SUE) ROBERT PUSKAR (DOTTIE) DANIEL J. MURPHY (KAREN) STANLEY J. BEACH (ELLEN) CHAIRMAN 3106 RIKKARD DRIVE 5600 EAST SANNA STREET P.O. BOX 321 5320 ROYAL STUART COURT NICK MCINTOSH THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362 PARADISE VALLEY, AZ 85253- RIVERHEAD, NY 11901 LEESBURG, FL 34748 4112 CHAPEL LANE CELL: (805) 405-0452 1756 OFC: (631) 852-2395 RES: (352) 365-2406 NEW ALBANY, IN 47150-9611 [email protected] RES: (480) 922-3161 CELL: (516) 810-7564 [email protected] RES: (812) 944-3562 CELL: (480) 363-0140 [email protected] [email protected] SENIOR VICE COMMANDER [email protected] AMERICANISM OFFICER/ BRUCE MCKENTY (FRANCINE) INSPECTOR PURPLE HEART TRAIL/ CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS 10216 89TH AVE SW NATIONAL ADJUTANT DAVID BOWMAN (MARTHA) NATIONAL HISTORIAN COORDINATOR LAKEWOOD, WA 98498-3812 JACK LEONARD (SHEILA) P.O. BOX 1715 JAMES J. KLUG (STEPHANIE) EARL SCOTTY MACKENZIE CELL: (253) 209-3166 5413-B BACKLICK RD. 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RES: (850) 309-1846 BROOKFIELD, WI 53045 13 HILL HALL SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151-3960 [email protected] RES: (262) 794-0133 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI COMMANDER – REGION I OFC: (703) 354-2140 OFC: (414) 384-2000 X 41288 COLUMBIA, MO 65211 PATRICK LITTLE [email protected] DEPUTY SERGEANT-AT-ARMS [email protected] OFF: (573) 882-4741 345 CARLISLE DRIVE JAMES L. HALL CELL: (573) 639-6969 AVONDALE, PA 19311 LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR 1925 STATE ROUTE 8 VAVS DIRECTOR [email protected] RES: (610) 268-1621 HERSHEL GOBER (MARY LOU) COLD BROOK, NY 13324-2003 DEL “BULLDOG” TURNER (ANN) CELL: (302) 521-1196 5413-C BACKLICK RD. RES: (315) 826-7371 104 SHIMMER POND COURT PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER [email protected] SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151 [email protected] MADISON, AL 35757-7751 HARRY SMART (DOE) CELL: (202) 550-2491 RES: (256) 837-3474 5059 CREEKMOOR DRIVE COMMANDER – REGION II [email protected] PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR FAX: (256) 837-3474 (call first so SAN ANTONIO, TX 78220-4903 RICHARD CHERONE (BARB) JOHN E. BIRCHER III (CAROL) he can hook it up) RES: (210) 648-4529 12880 WIMBLEDON DRIVE FINANCE OFFICER 6001 SPINNAKER LOOP [email protected] [email protected] NEW BERLIN, WI 53151 BOYD BARCLAY (JUDY) LADY LAKE, FL 32159 RES: (262) 786-9663 820 N. E. 63RD RES: (352)-753-5535 VIOLA CHAIRMAN LAMOPH PRESIDENT CELL: (414) 916-7858 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73105-6442 CELL:(352)-250-9555 GARY KINSER (KATHY) BARB CHERONE (RICK) [email protected] OFC: (405) 842-1971 [email protected] 7899 ALDEN