VIETNAM VET RECEIVES PURPLE HEART NEARLY 50 YEARS

 

Friday, May 17, 2019 VFW Post 7573 was honored to host a Purple Heart Ceremony for Chuck Baurhenn.

 

Charles ( Chuck ) W. Baurhenn was wounded in Vietnam on August 19th, 1969 and hospitalized in Japan. From there he was sent to Oakland CA where he was later honorably discharged from the Army. Because he didn’t return to his unit and as well as a mix up in his discharge paperwork, Chuck never received the Purple Heart he earned in battle. With the help of Congressman Paul Mitchell, Chuck finally received his Purple Heart and Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin after nearly 50 years.

 

Col. Jeffrey D. Witt, the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), presented the Purple Heart to Chuck.

 

Congressman Paul Mitchell regrettably, could not attend the ceremony. A representative of the Congressman, Alex Aprile, Constituent Resources Coordinator for Congressman Paul Mitchell, presented Chuck with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin and Certificate.

 

Many friends, family and veterans were in attendance including Jerry Gorski, VFW Big Ten Conference Chairman. John Dupray the Mayor of New Baltimore also attended and is great supporter of veterans.

 

The Color Guard march into the ceremony.

 


 
 Jan Boswell sings the National Anthem.
 
 The Colors are posted and Pledge of Allegiance is recited.
 
 The Color Guard march out.
 
 Past Post Commander Jay Silvers welcomes the attendees to the ceremony.
 
  (From left to right) Col. Witt, Chuck Baurhenn and his wife.
Standing in the foreground, Tony Forlini, District Director for Congressman Paul Mitchell
and Alex Aprile, Constituent Resources Coordinator for Congressman Paul Mitchell.
 
Jay Silvers introduces Col. Witt.
 
  Col. Witt gives a brief speak about the significance of the Purple Heart.
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jay Silvers, Col. Witt and Alex Aprile are joined by Chuck, his wife and son for the presentation of the Purple Heart.
 
Alex Aprile congratulates Chuck then hands the Purple Heart over to Col. Witt.
 
 Col. Witt pins the Purple Heart on Chuck's lapel and congratulates Chuck.
 
 Chuck receives a round of applause.
 
 
 
 
Alex Aprile gives Chuck the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin and Certificate.
 
 
 
Chuck and Col. Witt. In the foreground are Chuck's wife and Son.
 
 
 
Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin and Certificate
 
Chuck Baurhenn