December 14, 2018

Dear Friend,  

Senator Shaheen with Mr. Byrne and his family after his Purple Heart Ceremony

Today was a special day. Let me explain why: when Francis Byrne (Manchester) turned 18 years old, he immediately enlisted in the Army and was soon sent into the most harrowing battles of World War II. He fought in key turning points in the War, including the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. In the fall of 1944 while advancing through a cornfield, his friend stepped on a landmine, detonating the device and sending shrapnel all through his platoon. When a medic tried to assist Francis for his shrapnel wound, he told him to treat the other soldiers who were still in the field. His lieutenant told Francis that he would write him up for the Purple Heart. Sadly, the very next day, his lieutenant was killed in action.

Francis survived the war and would eventually settle in New Hampshire. But over 70 years later, he still had not received the Purple Heart, as there was little documentation from the battlefield regarding his injury. My office has been working with the Army to right this wrong alongside
Easterseals New Hampshire.

Last Friday, there was a critical breakthrough. I was able to speak with the Secretary of the Army who informed me that Francis’ Purple Heart had finally been approved. It was a tremendous honor to call Francis and let him know that his long wait was over. 

Sergeant Major Dan Dailey awarding the Purple Heart / Mr. Byrne's Purple Heart

Today, at the Elliot Hospital, Francis was awarded the Purple Heart by Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey and Brigadier General David Mikolaities, The Adjutant General of New Hampshire, in front of friends, family and his community. The ceremony was a really special moment for New Hampshire and the nation to show our gratitude to Corporal Francis Byrne for his tremendous service and sacrifice. Francis is an exceptional member of the Greatest Generation that fought and defeated the gravest threat that the free world has ever known. We can never thank him enough for all he did to help secure the liberties that all of us enjoy.

Sincerely,

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