Earning The Purple Heart: Vietnam Veteran recognized for combat service 55 years later
“It was one of the worst attacks I had been in since being in Vietnam,” said U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Stephen Peagler.
Vietnam Warzone
It was 55 years ago on March 18, 1968, when 19-year-old Lance Corporal Peagler found himself in the enemy fire line near Quang Tri in Vietnam.
“I distinctly remember hearing my friend calling out my name from behind me,” said Peagler, recalling the events of the attack on the battlefield. “He was injured, but I couldn’t get to him.”
Peagler was struck in his left leg, and after a second hit to his left arm, he tried to quickly reload his rifle when another round pierced his chest.
“After I was hit in the chest, a nearby explosion threw me back to the ground,” said Peagler. “As I was laying on my back, I looked up at the sky and thought, I’m still alive.”
From that point, Peagler described those long grueling moments after being wounded as not feeling any pain but rather a feeling of numbness until a helicopter came to rescue his unit.
“The pain didn’t hit me until I was treated for my injuries,” said Peagler. “I was told that my flak jacket [body armor] saved me. That vest and my rifle were both torn to pieces.”
After being stabilized, Peagler was transported to a hospital in Japan, receiving intensive treatment for his wounds.
Back home, his mother received a visit from two military officers with a telegram informing her that her son had been wounded in action.
“It felt like it took hours for them to tell me if he was okay,” said his mother. “I was so relieved when he finally called me from Japan.”
Arriving Home
When Peagler was well enough, he was transferred back to the United States, where he was further evaluated at a naval hospital near Memphis, Tennessee. From there, he was honorably discharged from the military and finally able to return home. Once he arrived home in Birmingham, Alabama, Peagler was gratefully reunited with his mother.
“I didn’t care much about any awards when I got home,” said Peagler. “I was just happy to be alive.”
Over the next several weeks thereafter, he underwent extensive physical therapy at the Birmingham VA Health Care System to strengthen his wounded arm and leg.
After he recovered, Peagler attended college and earned his degree in Business Administration from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He then served in the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years and retired in 2017.
55 Years Later
“One day, my mother told me I should have received the Purple Heart,” said Peagler.
The Purple Heart Medal is a United States military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.
“I only recently began to pursue the award for my mother while she is still here,” said Peagler. “She is 91 years old now.”
After retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, Peagler joined the American Legion in 2018. There, he met Angela Hunter, a Marine Veteran, and Jefferson County Veterans Service Officer, who helped him file paperwork to receive the decoration.
“Not only did Peagler receive the Purple Heart, but he also received eight other awards and decorations,” said Hunter. “It was an honor to help him receive this well-deserved recognition.”
At the age of 75, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Stephen J. Peagler was recently notified in a letter from Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps that he earned the following awards and decorations for his combat service in Vietnam:
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Unit Commendation
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Rifle Marksman Badge
“It feels good to be recognized for what I endured over there,” said Peagler. “I’m a very patriotic person - I’m a proud Marine and a proud American. They didn’t always treat us the best, but I still had that sense of pride that I stood for something; even if it doesn’t mean something to anybody else, it still means something to me.”
Peagler will receive his Purple Heart and other awards on April 7, 2023, at the Birmingham VA Clinic in front of his family after 55 years since serving in Vietnam.
“I’m happy my mother is still here to see me receive these awards after all these years,” said Peagler. “I have four children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren I’m happy to share this with too.”
Additionally, on March 16, 2023, at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, Peagler was recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs Chief of Staff, Tanya Bradsher, for his service.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29th, and this year marks 50 years since the last combat troops came home from Vietnam. The Birmingham VA Health Care System wants to recognize and honor our Vietnam Veterans for their utmost devotion and sacrifice. Thank you for your service.