At IHG® Army Hotels, we strive to create a sense of community for our colleagues and guests. We are here to support those in uniform above all else. Remembering and honoring those who have sacrificed for our nation is pivotal to our mission. August 7th, Purple Heart Awareness Day, is an important day for our nation’s history.
In recognition of all that service members have given, Purple Heart Awareness Day commemorates Americans who were injured and killed in the line of duty. In this article we discuss the history behind the Purple Heart, the sacrifice of several Purple Heart recipients, and how you can show your support for the families of those who have paid the ultimate price.
History of the Purple Heart
The Purple Heart Medal is a combat decoration awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. who are wounded, killed, or have died after being wounded by enemy action. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart as we know it today is the oldest American military award still presented to service members with roots going back to George Washington in the 1700s.
The modern Purple Heart was established by Congress and President Franklin Roosevelt in 1942. General Douglas MacArthur, Army Chief of Staff at the time, was the first official recipient. Throughout the award’s existence, over 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded.
While today military members can apply for a Purple Heart, the more common route is for superiors to submit their Sfor the award. Below we honor three Purple Heart recipients awarded the medal across decades and conflicts.
Army Sergeant Cari Gasiewicz
Army Sergeant Cari Gasiewicz paid the ultimate price in 2004 when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near her convoy in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As an Arabic linguist, Sgt Gasiewicz served as an interpreter for a military intelligence unit. Towards the end of her year-long deployment, Sgt Gasiewicz was on her way to Kuwait to spend Christmas before heading back to Fort Gordon, Georgia.
As a fluent Arabic linguist, Sgt Gasiewicz served an important and unique role within the Army, interacting with locals in a way that few deployed military members get to experience. Sgt Gasiewicz was known for looking out for everyone in her life and love of teaching languages to others.
With eight years of Army service, Sgt Gasiewicz had career goals of eventually serving in the FBI or CIA. She is survived by her parents and brother. Sgt Gasiewicz’s service will not be forgotten.
Army Sergeant Cari Gasiewicz
Navy Ensign Jesse Brown
Navy officer Ensign Jesse Brown sacrificed himself for freedom during the Korean War in December of 1950. Ensign Brown played an important and historic role within the armed forces, as he was the first African-American aviator to ever serve in the U.S military. Ensign Brown was an F4U pilot based on the USS Leyte aircraft carrier.
While flying a mission over North Korea, his aircraft was shot down by enemy small arms fire. Ensign Brown was able to crash land his aircraft, but died of mortal wounds received during the crash in enemy territory. Ensign Brown was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his leadership and valor.
The obstacles that Ensign Brown overcame to become the first African-American aviator in the military were surely incredible. The U.S. military was still segregated until 1948, mere months before Ensign Brown joined his fighter squadron onboard the USS Leyte. The courage, leadership, and sacrifice that Ensign Brown demonstrated throughout this military service sets an incredible legacy for all military members to remember and honor.
Staff Sergeant Flavio Martinez
Staff Sergeant Flavio Martinez received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan in 2015. While on a security mission outside the wire, SSgt Martinez’s security patrol was targeted by a motorcycle-borne improvised explosive device (IED). SSgt Martinez’s patrol comprised 13 members and he was responsible for the safety of the entire patrol. The attack mortally wounded six Airmen and critically wounded five others.
During the attack, SSgt Martinez assumed sole responsibility for the safety of the patrol despite being thrown and injured during the blast. He began immediately treating the wounds of his patrol members and heroically ran into the kill zone to assist a wounded Airman. SSgt Martinez’s leadership resulted in the successful medical evacuation of his teammates, saving many lives. He carried several teammates to safety on a litter and guided recovery operations to his team’s location with a smoke grenade.
SSgt Martinez’s actions set an example for us all. He ignored his own personal safety and selflessly acted to protect his teammates and carry out his mission. You can watch the Purple Heart ceremony honoring the sacrifice and personal courage of SSgt Martinez here.
How You Can Make a Difference
This year on August 7, there are several different things you can do to honor the families of those killed in the line of duty.
Family members of those who died in combat are known as Gold Star family members. Gold Star family members can be spouses, parents, and children or next of kin. Family members sometimes wear the Gold Star Lapel Pin, which is a gold star on a purple background bordered in gold with gold laurel leaves. There are a variety of ways to support Purple Heart oriented organizations. Many organizations accept donations of time or money.
Reunite Lost Purple Heart Medals with Their Owners
Purple Hearts Reunited is an organization that honors veteran sacrifices to the nation by assisting in returning lost, stolen, or misplaced military medals of valor to veterans or their families. The goal of the organization is to return medals within one year of finding them.
Within the organization, there are several teams you can be a part of. The Valor Research Team is made of volunteer researchers across the country that match medals with veterans and their families. The Value Rescue Team helps recover medals and is composed of volunteers who actively search for wayward Purple Heart medals at auctions, flea markets, pawn shops, as well as online. You can learn how to join each team by visiting the Purple Hearts Reunited website.
Join the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Program
The VA’s Volunteer Service (VAVS) program donates time, support, and companionship to our nation’s heroes and their families. The program has over 6,000 regular volunteers at over 150 VA health care facilities across the nation. You can get involved in anything you are interested in, including sports and recreation, social work, arts and music, writing, chapel services, companionship, transportation, and more.
Learn how to get involved through volunteering or donating at a local VA facility near you.
Visit the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is a great way to remind ourselves of the sacrifice of service members and the cost of freedom. If you are ever in the New York Hudson River Valley area, the Hall of Honor is a great way to learn about the stories of all Purple Heart recipients. You can learn more about the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and plan your visit here.
Support Gold Star Families With Shopping
Are you an Amazon shopper? The Amazon Smile program lets you designate a charity organization and donates a small percentage of your purchases to your charity organization of choice. Here are a few charitable organizations that directly support the families of fallen veterans:
When looking at what charitable organizations to support we recommend using Charity Navigator to find a charity that aligns with your goals!
Fly The American Flag
Support and honor families of those who have lost loved ones in combat by proudly supporting the U.S. flag. Flying the flag on your window or door is an opportunity to honor those who paid the ultimate price. When you fly the American flag, you express gratitude for the sacrifices of all service members. The flag represents our ability to protect our loved ones, our beliefs, and our way of life. If you don’t have a large flag, you can always purchase smaller flags and place them in your yard or along your driveway.
Thank You For Your Service
This month, we hope you’ll take some time to remember the cost of freedom. IHG® Army Hotels salutes all veterans and service members as well as their family members. We honor those who have been wounded and killed in the line of duty. Above all else, we support preserving the memories of those who lost their lives for our country and ensuring their courage is never forgotten.
