Leahy Presents Milton Resident With Purple Heart
…World War II Veteran Receives Combat Medal Earned Over 60 Years Ago

WINOOSKI, Vt. (Friday, August 18) – More than 60 years after his ship was destroyed, World War II veteran Robert J. Blondin of Milton Friday was presented the Purple Heart Medal by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who, after hearing Mr. Blondin’s moving story, worked with the United States Navy to obtain the long-delayed medal, along with the Combat Action Medal.

Mr. Blondin is a survivor of the USS Luce, a Navy destroyer which was attacked by Kamikaze pilots on May 4, 1945, in the East China Sea.  Sinking after an explosion from the attack, at least 126 crew members were killed, and all records aboard the ship were destroyed.  Mr. Blondin was treated for shrapnel wounds aboard a makeshift hospital ship.  Because the records aboard the Luce were destroyed, he never received the Purple Heart.  In November, 2005, Mr. Blondin contacted Senator Leahy.

“Now, at 82 years of age, I feel that if I am eligible, then my children and grandchildren would cherish the Purple Heart,” Mr. Blondin wrote in his letter to Senator Leahy.

Leahy’s initial request to the Navy after receiving Mr. Blondin’s letter was denied.  Then, after Leahy obtained records from multiple sources, the Navy Personnel Command at last was able to corroborate Mr. Blondin’s recollections of the Luce’s destruction, with its own historical documents.

“This is a nation’s belated recognition of a great debt,” said Leahy.  “Our nation owes its gratitude to Mr. Blondin and all of the members of the‘Greatest Generation’ who served so ably and admirably.  Mr. Blondin deserves the recognition and honor that comes with receiving the Purple Heart.  His service to this country brings his family, and all of us, great honor.”

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded or killed by enemy forces in war.

Leahy presented the award to Mr. Blondin Friday at the Winooski chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.   Mr. Blondin is the father of three children and has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.   Two of his three sons, Bob Blondin of Ohio, and John Blondin of Colchester, and other family members were on hand for the presentation. 

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