First Posted: 11/14/2014
SPENCERVILLE — It was a gratifying end to a story that started more than six decades ago more than half way around the world.
On June 6, 1951, William Tuttle was serving in the U.S. Army Infantry in Korea. On that day, he was severely injured during a missile attack, forcing him to spend 11 days in a hospital in Japan before returning to duty. However, Tuttle never received his Purple Heart, a military award given to those wounded or killed in action.
“He just got lost in the shuffle,” Cindy Gard, Tuttle’s daughter, said. “When he got sent to Japan, he just got lost in the system.”
For decades, Tuttle lived without being formally honored for his sacrifice. Finally, this past July, fate brought in Brent Miller of Miller Funeral Homes in St. Marys, who handled funeral arrangements for Tuttle’s son, Harold.
“When my brother died back in July, he’s the one who got everything started,” Gard said. “Dad inquired about getting it, and he helped start the proceedings.”
Thanks to Miller’s assistance, Tuttle was finally able to receive his Purple Heart Friday at Spencerville’s Roselawn Manor, where he is a resident. With Tuttle’s health failing, he is now receiving hospice care at the nursing home, making Friday’s presentation even more meaningful.
“We tried so hard to get this for him before it’s too late,” she said through tears. “His time is very short. We were told by hospice this morning that it could be this weekend, so it’s a great honor that we can do this for him today.”
Sam Hixson, Past District 2 Commander for the Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars, presented Tuttle with the award, a role he was honored to take on.
“This is the first time I’ve done it,” he said. “It’s wonderful that they could give this to him after 63 years. This is what the VFW is about — helping veterans.”
As Tuttle let the moment sink in with his Purple Heart pinned to his white T-shirt, a tear slipped down his face when asked what this moment means.
“This is a great day for me,” he said, his pride and gratitude echoing strongly although his voice was weak. “It was what I’ve been working for since my son died.”
Gard and her siblings who were present each embraced their father after the ceremony, each gratified to know that his service and sacrifice were finally recognized.
“We did it, Dad,” Gard said.