| Purple Heart recipients recall battlefield wounds |
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Posted: Monday, November 2, 2009 11:12 pm
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Terry Warner stands next to his Purple Heart, awarded to him after he was injured while serving the Army during the Vietnam War.
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By WENDY REUER
wreuer@owatonna.com
OWATONNA — Since World War II, an estimated 1.3 million Purple Heart medals have been given to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Purple Heart is one of the country’s oldest recognitions given to military men and women who are wounded during the line of duty.
On Thursday, Nov. 11, Steele County Veterans Services and the Silver Star Families of America plan to recognize local Purple Heart recipients by presenting them with Silver Star Flags at a ceremony at the American Legion.
The People’s Press spoke with a few of the local men who have received the honor.
Bob Mollenhauer
Before Bob Mollenhauer graduated Owatonna High School, he received notice he would be drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
So, he left for war in 1969. Mollenhauer served in a mobile unit, venturing into South Vietnam just north of Saigon.
In early December 1968, Mollenhauer was hit with shrapnel. He was able to recover from his wounds and return to duty, but in February, while his unit was near the Cambodia border in the Hobo Woods, shrapnel shredded his body, wounding him in multiple areas across his body.
For 38 months, Mollenhauer was in the hospital recovering from his wounds. He was transferred numerous times and from April 1969 until September 1972 he was at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Colorado.
Mollenhauer’s injuries were extensive, with effects he still feels today. He lost some toes and scares remain on his face, arms and stomach.
Although Mollenhauer was also reluctant at first to talk about his injuries, he has recently been discussing his war experience more.
“I’ve come out and talked quite a bit because my outfit has been having reunions,” Mollenhauer said. “There’s more talk and hope between the guys.”
Mollenhauer is also a Purple Heart recipient and plans to be at Thursday’s ceremony. Mollenhauer said he’s looking forward to seeing his fellow comrades.
“I think it gives back quite a bit to the veteran, especially to the Vietnam veterans. We didn’t come home to the best circumstances. We were very fortunate here in Owatonna to have a good group of veterans here to welcome us.
After the Vietnam War, Mollenhauer returned home to Owatonna where he eventually owned and operated his own business. Mollenhauer is now retired.
Terrance Warner
Terry Warner didn’t have a 21st birthday.
It came and went while Warner was recuperating from injuries he sustained while driving an armored personnel carrier in the Central Highlands during the Vietnam War.
“I didn’t wake up until two weeks later,” Warner said.
Warner joined the Army in February 1969. He was injured in March 1970.
For 45 days, Warner recuperated in military hospital in Vietnam. He then went to a hospital in Japan until he was transferred again until finally arriving at Fitzsimons Army Hospital. He was discharged from the Colorado hospital in October 1970.
Still, Warner feels his injury still today although he hasn’t let the experience tarnish his respect and admiration for fellow veterans.
Warner agrees with Mollenhauer that the reception of Vietnam veterans wasn’t the best, but Warner has since joined organizations to help honor veterans such as his current post as VFW District Commander. It is Warner’s second-time serving as commander.
“We certainly try to have a place where (Veterans) can be among their peers,” Warner said.
Warner grew up near Pratt. He married and raised a family while farming and trucking until his recent retirement when he and his wife moved into city life in Owatonna.
Wendy Reuer can be reached at 444-1565.
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