When I was in RVN in ‘68, there was a captain who, every time a mortar round landed anywhere near the compound, would throw himself into a ditch and go to the aid station to try to get his “Injuries” on record so he could get a Purple Heart. I don’t know if he ever got one but I saw the Battalion Commander lock his heels over it. I suspect Vindemann is that sort of officer.
My brother whom was an Air Force electronics tech caught a bit of shrapnel during a night mortar attack in Vietnam. His injuries were minor that a medic took care of quickly.
The next day he was at work as usual. I asked him why he did not get a purple heart for this. He said he would have been embarrassed to apply for it due to such a minor injury.