SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – A retired Northwest Iowa veteran was recognized in New York City as a part of the 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project.
Retired U.S. Army Col. John Mansfield, from Sioux City, was recognized as one of many honorees, chosen for a multi-day event in New York City, honoring both “courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded.”
The multi-day event, the 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project, is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
According to the non-profit organization, project honorees visited the New York City Veterans’ Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial, and cruised around Manhattan’s Riverfront.
The National Purple Heart Honor Mission says the Purple Heart Patriot Project is “an all-expense paid Honor flight style salute expected to bring together Purple Heart recipients from across conflicts and generations.”
The event started on Monday, April 27, and continues until May 1.
The project brings together both men and women from all branches of military service who sacrificed for America and then went on to become leaders in their communities and professions.
The two-time Purple Heart recipient was recognized by the National Purple Heart Honor Association this week.(National Purple Heart Honor Association)Who is Retired Col. John Mansfield?
As previously reported, Retired Col. John Mansfield enlisted in the Army in February 1966, receiving two Purple Hearts during his service.
“In May 1968, Mansfield received his first Purple Heart after leading an assault up to a ridge line overlooking Camp Evans and the 1st. Calvary,” said the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
In the same month, he earned his second Purple Heart during a North Vietnamese Army ambush.
Retired Col. John Mansfield in Vietnam, 1968 (left) and in Guatemala, 1995 (right)(National Purple Heart Honor Association)
Mansfield received several forms of recognition during his time serving the United States. These forms of recognition include, but are not limited to, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 stars and the National Defense Service Medal.
According to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, when asked what his services meant to him, Mansfield says that wearing an Army uniform for almost 31 years meant a great deal to him, and it continues to do so.
“I was proud to serve my country and to do all I could as a soldier and leader,” said Manfield.
For more information on the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, visit the organization’s website.
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