Hi, I have a relative who died in WWII, stepped on a mine, per the official documents
I received yesterday. This person did receive the purple heart, his unit was the
104th, 28 division. They landed in Normandy about two weeks before he died on Sept 21,
1944. His unit saw action about 2 wks after this fellow died. The family had heard
all sorts of stories on just what he was doing when he stepped on the mine-- everything
from leading a small group on a recon outing to playing touch football and basketball with
other soldiers. The last letter written by the man did tell of playing football with
some other soldiers. I think all the family was told was that he stepped on a mine.
The soldier did receive the purple heart. I had always thought that the purple heart
was given for wounds received in actual military combat, then I was told it was for
wounds received while on foreign soil during a time of military conflict, not necessarily
a specific battle.
And I know the criteria for receiving the purple heart has changed over the years-- I did
try to find info by googling, but I think I am more confused. Can anyone clarify this?
It might help others on the list. Thanks. Helen Zuber Keusch