Edward B. Meyer, United States Army World War II veteran, waited more than 50 years to receive a Purple Heart because of a paperwork error. Meyer is the late father of Department of Kentucky American Legion Auxiliary member Betty Butler.
 
Meyer was drafted into the Army in September 1941. 
 
“Even though he was drafted, he didn’t hesitate to go,” said Butler. “He spent over three years overseas away from his family to defend our country.” 
 
He began his service in Hawaii where he qualified as a rifle sharpshooter, bayonet expert, and combat infantryman. He first saw combat on the island of Saipan and then later served as a staff sergeant in Okinawa.
 
Meyer served in Okinawa until he was injured during combat when a sniper shot him in the leg. He was then sent to a hospital in Guam to recover before being discharged. He returned home in August 1945.
 
Upon his return, his injury wasn’t listed on his discharge papers, so he didn’t receive a Purple Heart. Meyer didn’t dispute it at that time because he was eager to get home to his family and his farm.
 
In the late 1990s, a member of American Legion Post 204 in Sellersburg, Ind., learned that Meyer, who was 82, never received a Purple Heart. The member knew something needed to be done about it. He talked with Meyer, who decided he wanted to get his medal so he could leave it to his family after he passed. The two began the process of getting his medal, and then-U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton joined in to get the paperwork moving through the system. About a year later, Meyer received his Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
 

Meyer received the medals just in time — he passed away about two months later. 
 
“My mother received a letter from the president after he passed away,” said Butler. 
 
Influenced by their father’s service, Butler’s brother also served. He was in the National Guard from 1968-1974. 
 
“I am proud of their service and all veterans who served our country and those still serving today,” Butler said. 
 



Purple Heart
•  The Purple Heart medal is awarded to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been wounded, killed, or died of wounds received in combat.
•  It’s the oldest military award presented to U.S. servicemembers.
•  Recipients of the award are honored annually on Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7.

Bronze Star
•  The Bronze Star medal is awarded to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone.
•  John McCain, Bob Dole, Ernest Hemingway, Henry Fonda, and Oliver Stone are all recipients of a Bronze Star medal.
 
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