Question for Vets RE: Purple Heart

[J8127]

I don't know if it makes you feel better, but I've seen a good share of people who milked a little frag in the hand or something for a purple heart, too. Don't put it on the pedestal that you need to lose limbs or bleed out. You were injured by the enemy while serving and should be recognized for it.

[CodeRed30]

If you can receive the award and look the other men in the vehicle with you when it happened in the eye without then raising protest, I would not be able to doubt the legitimacy of it.

This.

[Eurodriver]

I know way too many Marines that were in your exact situation OP. They all have received purple hearts.

[SeriousStudent]

I do hope that the problems you have recede, and you make a full and complete recovery.

Thank you for your service to our nation.

[C-grunt]

Thanks guys. I think I'll put in for it.

[Endur]

You definitely earned it. It is still an injury from combat, a serious one at that. I buddy and a prior team-leader of mine had a brother who was medically discharged for serious TBI, he passed a few years back from it. He had the same problems you have currently. I strongly recommend regular check ups and care.

[Sensei]

Ok first Id like to clarify that this goes out to veterans only. No offense to non vets but your opinion is usually swayed to one side regarding this. Ive been debating asking this here but here it goes.

Back in June/July 2005 my Bradley I was in was struck by a 3 count 155mm IED. It was a direct hit on the side. During the blast I was thrown into the interior wall of the vehicle and knocked out. I was unconscious for about 30 seconds to a minute depending on which guy you ask that was with me. When I woke up I had a horrible headache and was dizzy for a few days.

The Doc back at the FOB diagnosed me with a concussion. I got out of the Army after that deployment and continued to have problems afterwards with headaches, migraines, memory loss and occasional vertigo/dizziness. I went to the VA and was diagnosed with a TBI.

Last year I was told by someone that there is a way to get a Purple Heart since I have proof I was injured by enemy fire.

Half of me thinks I deserve it but the other half is saying "you have all your limbs quit being a bitch". I know guys that were shot and missing body parts and I look at myself and know that Im lucky.

So what do you guys think?

Agree - you have a strong case in support of a PH based on what you have said. It will likely come down to the available documentation of the event such as sworn statements about the blasts, AHLTA-T documents at the FOB (assuming that was being used), etc. Generally speaking, head injuries resulting in a loss of consciousness and persistent neurologic symptoms such as what you describe are awarded a PH.

[Bolt_Overide]

I got one for something much less serious. Yes I bled, yes it hurt, but its nothing but a bit of scar now with no after effects.

Damn right you earned it, go ****ing get it.

[Todd00000]

Yes you deserve it. Wear it in remembrance of all those that earned a PH as their last medal.

[T2C]

You earned it.