Parkston vet believed to have most Purple Hearts received by South Dakotan

Talk about it

Does Jerry Triebwasser have the most Purple Hearts ever awarded to a

South Dakotan?

Multiple tipsters believe so and have said as much to The Daily

Republic, but the newspaper was unable to confirm the claim prior to

publication of this story.

Triebwasser, a Vietnam veteran, has 10 medals in possession, four of

which are Purple Hearts. Officially, though, it is unclear whether he

received four Purple Heart commendations or two. Paperwork held by

state government officials and Triebwasser indicates he has a Purple

Heart with one oak leaf cluster, meaning he received two Purple

Hearts. Paperwork on the other two is missing.

Triebwasser himself is unclear on the technicalities. While dealing

with the aftermath of the war, he said, he stuck his medals in a

closet and never gave them much thought.

To receive a Purple Heart, a soldier must be hospitalized for the

wounds suffered.

The Daily Republic tried to obtain clarification through the U.S.

National Archives but did not receive it prior to this report.

Following is a listing of Triebwasser’s other medals and attachments.

- Army Commendation Medal: Awarded for heroism and meritorious service

and usually awarded to enlisted soldiers and junior officers after a

tour ends.

- Army Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to enlisted personnel who complete

three consecutive years of honorable and faithful service.

- Vietnam Service Medal: Awarded to service members who spent more

than 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days in Vietnam between

Nov. 15, 1961, and March 28, 1973.

- Three Bronze Star Medals: The fourth-highest medal an enlisted

soldier can receive for bravery, heroism or meritorious service.

- Valor or “V” Device: Triebwasser received a “V” for valor, which was

attached to his Bronze Star Medal. The Valor Device is a one-time only

decoration for any medal.

- Several Bronze Star Devices: These indicate the soldier has

participated in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same

award. In Triebwasser’s case, the stars are on his Vietnam Service

Medal.

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