|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
The Courage of a True Hero (BERNARD ): Miami-Dade Purple Heart Veteran, member of the 224th Aviation Battalion and Vietnam Veteran
DORAL, FL – June 27, 2025.
At the recent Veterans Breakfast in Doral, the community had the privilege of honoring one of their own: a Vietnam veteran, exemplary neighbor, and bearer of the Purple Heart medal. Introduced by fellow veteran and candidate Peter Espinosa, this hero shared with humility and emotion the real weight of what it means to have served, sacrificed, and survived.
“Mr. Purple Heart, come over here for a second. Because we love you. Purple Heart recipient, Vietnam veteran. There’s nothing better than this. Nothing.”
Thus, with simplicity and respect, he began his testimony before a room full of grateful citizens. He showed a plaque with his last name, Bernard, and recounted his story in the 224th Aviation Battalion, a unit so secret that “they didn’t exist in Vietnam,” although in reality, they did. They lost comrades in downed helicopters, on missions that often should not have flown, but were carried out out of loyalty to friends and duty.
“One of ours wasn’t supposed to take off after the last month, but he flew for his friend. They returned to Da Nang and a Viet Cong hit him. We lost several. Two lieutenants, rookies… went down. Our mission was to photograph enemy movements and deliver that information to the Air Force.”
He recalled the surprise of meeting old acquaintances from his hometown on distant bases, and the reality of war:
“Don’t ask for the Purple Heart. If you ask for it, you’re on the edge. I received it because I was wounded; it was a matter of fate. They rushed me to the field hospital. There were no certainties there; they put you on a stretcher and the doctors decided: one to the morgue, another survives, another goes back to the front.”
His story is raw but deeply human.
“I woke up, looked around, and there was no one. I asked the nurse, the one who puts the tags: ‘Where is everybody?’ He said: ‘They’re under the bed. If we get hit again, you’re dead anyway, so you better stay up here.’ That’s all I have to say.”
The ovation was heartfelt.
“Thank you. There’s nothing better than this: being a neighbor of a Purple Heart hero who lives next to you, and being able to thank him in person. Let’s never forget that.”
This testimony reminds us that, beyond medals and uniforms, true greatness lies in those who face danger without seeking recognition, and who, upon returning home, continue to be examples of integrity, humility, and love for the country.
Thank you, veterans. Thank you, hero. Freedom has a name and a face among us.
📰 Want more news like this?
Stay informed about everything happening in South Florida: life stories, investigations, exposés, and the truth without filters.
👉 Visit our main page: newsmiamidade.com
News that connects, informs, and defends the community.
Click and join those who don’t settle for the superficial!
