Purple Heart recipient George Stavropoulos of Fishers to be honored during national tribute event

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A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (HM2) George Stavropoulos of Fishers will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Indiana’s representative at a multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded.

The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. The all-expenses-paid trip includes visits to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters, a special tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other unique tributes.

“George and his fellow Patriot Project honorees represent the best of the best our country has to offer,” said Richie Lay, a Purple Heart recipient and Chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “America’s Purple Heart veterans have given so much to defend freedom and that sacrifice must always be remembered. These brave men and women are true American heroes. We are privileged to be able to provide this unique salute to service for our Purple Heart heroes.”

“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 Col. Russ Vernon (NYARNG Ret.), the Executive Director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “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 George for his courage and service, both during combat operations and in the years since returning home.”

This year’s Patriot Project honorees include men and women Purple Heart recipients from World War II, the Vietnam War, Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and other conflicts, representing all branches of the service and ranging from 37- to 100-years-old.

Asked what he would want younger Americans to know about his service, HM2 Stavropoulos said, “My service taught me the meaning of commitment, discipline, sacrifice for others, teamwork, and pride in what you do.”

Originally from Los Angeles, Calif., George Stavropoulos enlisted in the U.S. Navy, entering the service in July 1965. He was deployed to Vietnam where he was awarded four Purple Heats as a result of wounds he suffered. Stavropoulos was first wounded in April 1967 and suffered additional wounds in May 1967 as a result of a mortar attack. He suffered additional wounds, including a gunshot wound and shrapnel wounds, on July 2, 1967, during a large ambush at the beginning of Operation Buffalo.

Along with his Purple Heart with three bronze stars, HM2 Stavropoulos was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Silver Star Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the Good Conduct Medal, and more.

Married to his wife, Patricia, Stavropoulos continued serving his community as a member of law enforcement with the Newport Beach Police Department before becoming a DOJ investigator. When not serving his fellow veterans as a member of the Fishers Armed Services Commission, he enjoys golfing and watching football.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located just north of West Point, N.Y., near the site where General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The Badge, a purple cloth cut in the shape of a heart, was the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart medal. In addition to creation of the museum, the National Purple Heart Honor Mission was instrumental in the creation of the Purple Heart Forever stamp now issued by the U.S. Postal Service, and the organization was the driving force behind the nation’s first official Purple Heart Commemorative Coin series, which was issued by the United States Mint in 2022.

Those wishing to learn more about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission or donate to support the Purple Heart Patriot Project should visit PurpleHeartMission.org.