DISCLAIMER

The following declaration is being written on behalf of George Robert Smith (10/14/1949) by his Power of Attorney(s) due to his rapidly deteriorating health. George is currently residing at the King Veterans Home located in King, Wisconsin.

Statement on Written Behalf of George R. Smith

December 19, 2024

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to respectfully request your assistance in obtaining a Purple Heart for my father, George Robert Smith, a combat field medic who served in Vietnam. During his tour, he suffered a severe knee injury as a direct result of enemy attacks at LZ Sharon in 1969. After laying in a field for several hours, presumably horrified he may not return home, he was provided medical care in the form of surgery to repair the damages the best they could. Due to either a lack of record keeping or destruction of medical records as a result of enemy contact, it is unknown if he was shot or injured due to an explosive or shrapnel. Despite this, the significant scar on his knee and permanent damage is indicative of a severe injury directly related to his service to his country, for which he has been granted service-connected benefits for since 1971. Specifically, physical damage that hindered his ability to participate in typical father-child activities or in any physical action that required more than walking. 

I grew up with a man who, like many of you, sacrificed a great deal to allow our country the right to live freely. However, I also grew up with a man who would suffer from severe and violent flashbacks whenever inclement weather rolled in because the thunderous noises and shaking of the ground, or the house, generated memories of Vietnam. Even my children, his grandchildren, always knew that when the forecast resulted in a storm, their grandfather would come to “visit” and sleep in the basement of my family’s home. Other instances, his evocations resulted in him violently barking orders at my mother, myself, and sister, in Vietnamese despite not being fluent in the language when he wasn’t experiencing said flashbacks. My mother, sister, and I, like many family members of Vietnam Veterans, suffered (physically/mentally) and sacrificed for several years right alongside him, and did so out of respect and love. After many years, he has become a kinder, softer, and generous man who continues to love his country and family unconditionally.

Currently, my father resides at the Veterans home in King, Wisconsin where he struggles with dementia and his rapidly deteriorating health. Every visit we are mourning his life as his health continues to decline. It has become increasingly important to myself, and our family, that we take every avenue to provide my father with the recognition he deserves. Unfortunately, we have come across more dead ends than helpful routes. Moreover, like countless other Vietnam Veterans, due to the public ridicule and disrespect upon returning home from a ruthless war, my father does not feel worthy of the benefits he rightly earned for answering the call to serve his country. Discussions of his worth often lead to statements of, “It no longer matters to me because I do not think I will be alive long enough to see it happen.” I am asking for your help to let our government know that my father sacrificed, was injured in battle, and is deserving of this award. Furthermore, I believe my mother is also deserving of the spousal benefits associated to his earned and merited recognition. She, my sister, and I endured the traumatic aftermath of Vietnam on the home front; a place where my father and his family deserved to feel safe and supported. 

With your signature of support, I believe there is someone is out there capable of locating my father's records to ensure he, and my mother, are honored and taken care of in the manner all our Vietnam Veterans, and their respective families, deserved when they stepped foot on American soil again. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and we appreciate your support.

The family of George Robert Smith, United States Army, Vietnam Veteran, Combat Medic

This plea stems from heart-wrenching personal stories shared by the family of George R. Smith (10/14/1949), a combat field medic who served diligently in Vietnam. He is currently residing at the King Veterans Home in King, Wisconsin, due to his rapidly deteriorating health.

George, a hero who dedicated his life to the service of country and fellow soldiers, never received the Purple Heart he rightfully deserves. As the veteran liaison for our hospice organization, I find it imperative that his bravery is duly recognized and acknowledged.

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving. Over 1.8 million awards have been made since its inception in 1782 (American War Library). It is unfortunate and deeply unsettling that George R. Smith is yet to be included in this count despite his unmistakable bravery.

As citizens, we urge our congressmen and senators to assist in expediting the process of awarding a Purple Heart to George. His health is swiftly deteriorating, and time is of the essence. Let us honor our hero while we still have the chance.

Your signature carries weight. Let's ensure George R. Smith's service is not forgotten but immortalized with the honor he rightfully deserves. Please sign and share this petition to pay respect to a true hero.