U.S. Army Command sergeant major Edward Evans (Ret.) has been selected as Alabama’s representative to the 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project.
The Korean War veteran will represent the state’s Purple Heart veterans at the multi-day tribute honoring those who have been wounded in combat while valiantly serving the United States. Evans will travel this week to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters and will receive a tour of the newly renovated National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
The 20-year veteran enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 and earned his Purple Heart during his tour of duty in Korea during the fall of 1950.
Evans was acting as a Forward Observer with G-Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division when he and his unit came under fire as a mortar landed behind him in a Foxhole. After sustaining injuries, Evans was evacuated to a hospital in Tokyo, Japan.
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) recently had the opportunity to meet Evans. The South Alabama congressman extended his appreciation to Evans for his service to the nation.
“Mr. Evans’ service to our nation is unmatched, and it is thanks to countless heroes like him that we are able to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear,” said Carl. “I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with Mr. Evans to learn more about his service to our country and reaffirm my commitment to fighting for our nation’s veterans in Congress.”
Richie Lay, Purple Heart recipient and chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, commended Evans for his service.
“Ed and his fellow Patriot Project honorees are true American heroes,” said Lay. “America’s Purple Heart veterans have given so much to defend freedom and that sacrifice must always be remembered. We are privileged to be able to provide this unique salute to service for our Purple Heart heroes.”
Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), executive director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, looks forward to paying tribute to Evans and his fellow Purple Heart recipient.
“Our Purple Heart recipients have made enormous sacrifices for America and this is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation,” said Vernon. “For some, this will be like the homecoming they never had. We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and we look forward to honoring Ed for his lifelong sacrifice and service to his community.”
Evans has received numerous commendations and awards for his service. This includes the Bronze Star with valor, Army Commendation Medal among others. Upon retiring from the Army, Evans launched his own swimming pool business. He has also partaken in service to U.S. Missions, Assembly of God as a U.S. church builder.
Evans and his late wife, Mildred, have three children. He was nominated to take part in the mission by his daughters, Karla Dauzat and Marcia Evans. He currently resides in the town of Silverhill in Baldwin County.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
