During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a Vietnam veteran presented former President Donald Trump with a Purple Heart, emphasizing Trump’s deserving nature for the honor. This gesture occurred just 12 weeks after an assassination attempt that resulted in the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore and left Trump injured.
The veteran, who signed his letter to Trump as “Dwight,” presented the award before Trump addressed supporters at a town hall in Fayetteville, North Carolina, moderated by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL). Throughout the week, Trump had been focused on disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, successfully raising over $5.6 million to aid those affected.
Luna introduced Dwight by reading a letter he had written to Trump after the shooting, expressing his admiration and support. The letter concluded with, “God bless you, your family, and the United States of America,” highlighting the respect many feel for Trump.
When Dwight handed Trump the Purple Heart, the former president joked, “It looks like a check. It’s a check. It’s cash,” which elicited laughter from the crowd and made the moment more enjoyable.
Dwight praised Trump for his courage during the assassination attempt, saying, “You laid down there, you got back up, and the first words out of your mouth was, ‘Fight, fight, fight.’” He affirmed, “You got guts,” showcasing the resilience that Trump embodies.
Reflecting on the day of the attack, Trump stated, “I got very lucky,” suggesting that perhaps there was divine intervention. He recalled a previous instance in 2016 when he received a Purple Heart from another veteran, showing his ongoing connection to the military community.
Additionally, Dwight raised alarms about the rising number of homeless veterans, which has increased from 7% to 14% during the Biden-Harris administration. He questioned Trump about his plans to prioritize veterans over illegal immigrants receiving government assistance. Trump confidently stated, “We’re going to take care of our veterans properly,” underscoring his commitment to those who have served.
