My cousin Georgie was KIA 51 years ago today. Every time memorial day or veterans day rolls around I can't help become slightly melancholy. My Uncle Jim, Georgie and my sister in law's nephew Alex Viola paid so dearly for this republic.
Attachment 255564
BERNARD GEORGE PURVIS
Wall Name:BERNARD G PURVIS
Date of Birth: 4/29/1948
Date of Casualty: 1/27/1969
Home of Record: NORFOLK
County of Record: ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY
State: NY
Branch of Service: MARINE CORPS
Rank: LCPL
Panel/Row:33W, 4
Casualty Province: QUANG NAM
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam WarThe President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Bernard G. Purvis (MCSN: 2391296), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 January 1969, Lance Corporal Purvis' squad was participating in a combat patrol near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of hostile fire delivered by a well-concealed enemy force. Reacting instantly, he skillfully deployed his men into effective fighting positions and unhesitatingly led an aggressive assault against the hostile unit. Completely disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he fearlessly moved about the hazardous area, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their accurate fire upon the hostile emplacements until he was mortally wounded. His outstanding leadership and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. By his courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Purvis contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
