A Hero's Reward

    Bill went to do a job and he did it well. Now after many years the recognition that he deserves has finally been given.

This is the story as reported on the WAFF 48 local News. Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations go out to you Bill.

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GRANT, Ala., March 10, 2002 - "I was wounded and in the hospital for the biggest part of two months...That was probably 1952."

For combat-wounded veteran Bill Crislip, memories of the Korean War prove bittersweet.

"When I got out of the hospital I wasn't able to go back to the line," Crislip said.

He was reassigned to a postal unit and honorably discharged in 1954. He left with a host of memories - but, no official recognition for his service.

Years later, after kids marriage, and moving to small Grant, Alabama, Crislip met Don Dixon.

"In casual conversation, Bill Crislip mentioned to me he had been in the service in Korea and never received his purple heart award while serving in Korea," Dixon said.

That conversation struck a chord with Don and his wife Melinda. The two soon embarked on a detailed quest to get Crislip his much-deserved Purple Heart. It's the military's distinguished way of honoring those wounded or killed during combat.

"In order to get the medal issued, you had to make sure you went through the proper steps and it has to be verified that he's entitled to it," Dixon said.

After eight months of calls and research, a Purple Heart was secured for Crislip. Dixon determined it was all a government oversight. But friends, family - even the veteran's wife kept the investigation a secret.

"I'm a person who loves to talk. I love people and to keep this a secret has been something else," said Virginia Crislip.

The secrecy came to an end Sunday at Crislip's small Grant church. There, with friends, family and the entire church, military officials awarded Crislip his Purple Heart.

"When Pastor Phil said I was to be honored I almost passed out - fell on the floor."

A big, a secret a big honor - all 49 years in the making:

"To have my husband honored with that purple heart after so many years is, it's really something, it's overwhelming."

"Without a doubt I'll never forget it as long as I live," Crislip said.

 

Be sire to See Bill's family album.