The Purple Heart is considered the nation’s oldest military award. General George Washington introduced it in the late 1700s as the “Badge of Military Merit.”
In August 1782, Washington wrote:
“The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward.”
Initially, the Purple Heart was a medal for showing bravery in combat. It fell into obscurity but was later revived by General Douglas MacArthur in 1932. Today the Purple Heart is used to recognize injuries or death during combat.
R.S. Hollaman joined the U.S. Army in 1943. He was injured by shrapnel in the Philippines; upon his return home in 1945, he was rewarded with the Purple Heart. He was only nineteen years old.
Sadly, he passed away in 2010. Like many veterans, he didn’t talk about the war, including mentioning that he received a medal.
“Dad never talked about the war. I never knew he got the medal,” Lynn Hollaman Bryson explained.
Lisa A. Dabrowski is a public information officer for Mattituck American Legion Post 861 and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit Number 1, New York. She has spent years researching veterans and discovering their rich stories.
In April, Lisa went from yard sale to yard sale. Suddenly something caught her eye; A Purple Heart Medal.
“I knew, right away, what it was, what it meant, and I knew what it took to be awarded one,” she said. She didn’t know who it belonged to or how it ended up in a yard sale. According to Dabrowski, the family trying to sell the Purple Heart had no idea who R.S. Hollaman was, nor did they know how they came into its possession.
“I have always had great respect for our veterans and much appreciation for military-related artifacts. My grandfather served in the U.S. Army during WWI as an interpreter and bodyguard for General Pershing. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away 15 years before I was born, but he has always been a major influence in my life,” she said.
Thankfully, the Purple Heart was still in its original case with the name R.S. Hollaman imprinted on it. Through tons of research and patience, Dabrowski found R.S. Hollaman’s daughter.
“This was such a beautiful way to honor my dad,” Bryson said when she was presented with the rediscovered Purple Heart. “I feel very privileged to be here today, grateful and blessed. I feel Dad’s presence here.”
Dabrowski expressed what a fantastic journey she had in reuniting a piece of a father to his daughter. This was an incredible story of compassion and dedication. It brought people together. She also gives us a sad reminder that there are medals out there being discarded.
“To me, finding the Purple Heart at a yard sale brought about many feelings. I wanted to make sure that it was respected. But, it also brings to mind, how many other Purple Hearts end up being discarded, for whatever reason.” Dabrowski said. She added it could be because there is no one left in the family. It is a sad thought, parts of our history being tossed out, we can only hope more people with good hearts can recognize lost Purple Hearts and reunite the brave with their loved ones.
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