In 1945, then 22-year old Harvey Drahos was wounded at the Battle of Okinawa, and he was convinced he wouldn't make it out alive.
“I told the good Lord, ‘If I can survive this, I'll dedicate my life to helping people,'” he said. “And that's what I've done.”
After he was honorably discharged from the military, Drahos went on to honor that promise. He has managed emergency services, legally represented patients and helped assist other veterans. In his 25 years in Thurston County, he worked with a congressman to activate a military service center, and has remained active in local organizations such as the North Thurston Kiwanis.
But during his long and fulfilling life, there is still one thing Drahos hasn't received: his Purple Heart award. His World War II service left him with shrapnel wounds to his right wrist, brain damage from a major concussion and PTSD. But a series of clerical and bureaucratic mishaps mean the Department of Defense will not award Drahos the medal given to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.
“A Purple Heart is your recognition that you served, and you were recognized for sharing your blood for the defense of your country,” he said. “It's taken me almost 80 years and we've tried every means to get it.”
His original discharge papers listed him as part of the 90th regiment, not the 96th infantry, and he has attempted to correct this mistake and receive his award at least…
