Korean War veteran from St. Peter, Minnesota, Earl Meyer, finally received his Purple Heart medal after a 73-year battle with the U.S. Army. Despite still having shrapnel in his thigh, causing occasional pain, Meyer was honored at a ceremony at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, where the medal was pinned to his chest. The Army had previously rejected Meyer’s application multiple times due to a lack of paperwork, but a campaign led by his daughters and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar led to a reversal of the decision.
Challenges faced by wounded veterans in obtaining their earned medals due to the fog of war, missing records, and the passage of time were exemplified in Meyer’s case. Klobuchar presented Meyer with a certificate alongside one of her former aides who worked on the case, singing the national anthem. Meyer’s daughter, Sandy Baker, described him as a reluctant recipient who ultimately wanted to help other soldiers receive their overdue recognition. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer expressed gratitude in a letter, recognizing Meyer’s selfless service and dedication.
Michael Weimer, the Sgt. Maj. of the Army, praised Meyer for his selfless service and dedication, expressing regret for the delayed recognition. While unable to attend the ceremony, Weimer sent Command Sgt. Major Jason Ross in his place, who highlighted the grueling combat conditions Meyer endured. Ross described the intense fighting experienced by Meyer’s unit in 1951, where few survived and many were injured or killed in action. Despite being wounded during a mortar attack, Meyer did not realize it at first and focused on surviving rather than seeking a medal.
The Army initially denied Meyer’s applications for the Purple Heart due to insufficient documentation, which was lost in a fire, according to Baker. With the help of Klobuchar’s office, the family obtained additional documents to support Meyer’s case, leading to a review board reconsidering and ultimately granting him the medal. Records from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed that the shrapnel in Meyer’s thigh was from a combat injury, solidifying his eligibility for the Purple Heart. Despite Meyer’s humility and tendency to downplay his experiences, his American Legion coffee buddy emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring his contributions to his country.
Dave Johnson, a friend of Meyer’s, highlighted the significance of Meyer’s service and sacrifices, urging the community to remember and appreciate the efforts of veterans like him. Johnson emphasized the rarity of individuals like Meyer who can say, “I did this for our country,” and stressed the importance of acknowledging their contributions to maintaining a nation like the United States. Meyer’s long-awaited Purple Heart ceremony served not only as a moment of recognition for his personal sacrifices but also as a reminder of the sacrifices made by all veterans in service of their country.
