[Yaelle]

During the Vietnam War, Purple Hearts were often granted for minor wounds.

I would like to know what the wounds were like for anyone around here who received one, or knew someone who did.

I only know one Vietnam Vet with a Purple Heart. He received it for doing underwater something-or-other (sorry but I don't know all the military jargon), during which there was an explosion, he was injured, unconscious, and lost a significant part of his hearing. He was hospitalized for some time.

What is the most minor P.H. award that any of you know about?

[BonnieJ]

My husband was hit with shrapnal in five places and he spent 5 weeks on a hospital ship for his Purple Heart in V.N. He returned after recovery to active duty to finish his 13-month "tour" (the usual length, not the short ones Kerry had!). He doesn't know of anyone with a P.H. for an incredibly minor injury. He considered his the most minor actually.