World War II Veteran, 99, Makes Final Push to Receive Purple Heart He Believes He Earned During Combat

A veteran from Louisville, Kentucky, Glenn Fisher, is making a renewed appeal for recognition of his wartime service as he approaches his 100th birthday this year. Fisher, who enlisted in the Army during World War II at just 16 years old, is seeking to receive the Purple Heart, a military honour awarded to those injured or killed in combat.

In a bid to join the military, Fisher went to great lengths, altering his birth year to appear older. His friend Jeff Thoke shared that Fisher changed his recorded birth year from 1926 to 1927, allowing him to enlist with parental consent. Fisher began his service in the Army 83 years ago, with a deep commitment to the cause of his country.

Fisher was deployed to England in September 1944, and later served in various locations including France and the Netherlands. Tragically, in March 1945, while participating in the Rhine River crossing, he was wounded by enemy fire. “They shot so many rounds that it was an airburst,” Fisher recalled. “A shell exploded about 20 feet off the ground, sending hundreds of shrapnel pieces flying — one of those hit me.”

The chaos of war took a heavy toll, with the attack resulting in the deaths of two men and injuries to 14 others. However, Fisher’s quest for a Purple Heart has been thwarted by an unfortunate clerical error: the record of his injury mistakenly lists the date as June 1945, a time when he was not present. “How’s that going to be possible?” Fisher questioned, expressing his frustration over the mistake.

Compounding the issue, Fisher underwent surgery three years ago for an unrelated ailment, during which doctors discovered a piece of shrapnel lodged in his body. Believed to date from his injury 80 years prior, he found it astonishing to learn he had carried this remnant of war for so long. Unfortunately, the piece of shrapnel was lost during the medical procedure, leaving Fisher without physical evidence of his wartime experience.

Lacking the essential documentation that validates his injury has made the process of obtaining the Purple Heart notably challenging. Thoke emphasised the issue, saying, “We have a lot of circumstantial evidence, but we don’t have anything saying Glenn was wounded.” Despite having records that confirm Fisher’s hospitalisation and subsequent medical treatment, proving his injury remains a considerable obstacle.

As Fisher prepares to celebrate his landmark birthday, Thoke is advocating on his behalf, urging the Army to reconsider the veteran’s Purple Heart application. “It’s something that he earned and should be presented to him,” Thoke asserted. His hope is that Fisher will finally receive acknowledgement for the sacrifices he made during one of the most significant conflicts in history.

Fisher’s story is emblematic of the challenges many veterans face regarding recognition of their service. The dedication he displayed at such a young age deserves commendation and remembrance, as does the commitment of those who stand by veterans in their quest for honour.

As the anniversary of the end of World War II approaches, stories like Fisher’s serve as poignant reminders of the bravery and resilience displayed by countless individuals during tumultuous times in history. As he nears a century of life, there is a growing sense of urgency to ensure that his sacrifices are officially recognised, at long last providing closure not just for Fisher, but also for those who support him.