- Check the DD Form 214 (_Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty_): This document contains personal information about military service, including awards and decorations received. If the individual did receive a Purple Heart, it should be listed on their DD Form 214.
- Contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC): If you have the veteran's name, service number, and branch of service, you can contact the NPRC to request a copy of their military records, which should include information about any awards or decorations received.
- Search for a Purple Heart citation: Recipients of the Purple Heart receive a citation that describes the circumstances of the action for which they were awarded the medal. You can search the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website or visit the local NARA facility for access to these citations.
- Check the Vietnam War Casualty database; This public database contains information about all U.S. military casualties in the Vietnam War, including those who were killed, missing, wounded in action (WIA), or otherwise hospitalized. If the individual was wounded or injured during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart, they should be listed in this database.
- Look for other corroborating evidence: If the individual has shared stories or documents about their military service, try to find corroborating evidence to support their claims. This can include:
- Photographs of them wearing a Purple Heart medal or other military decorations.
- Letters, certificates, or other documents mentioning their Purple Heart award.
- Articles or news reports about their military service.
- Talk to the person's family or friends: If you have the opportunity, you may want to discreetly ask the person’s family or friends about their knowledge of their military service.
- They may be able to provide additional information or insights that can help you verify the claim.
- Ask for specific details about the event they were awarded for: If they share an account of how they received the medal, ask for specifics such as the date, time, and location of the event, as well as the names of any witnesses or unit commanders who can corroborate their story. Use that information to double check with other sources.
Be sensitive and respectful when discussing this topic, as emotions may be involved and the person may feel defensive if they are telling the truth.
