Donald Van Cleve | Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient

Born into the Great Depression, Donald Van Cleve spent his childhood dodging poverty and delivering newspapers when Pearl Harbor was attacked. When the Korean War broke out he joined the United States Marine Corps and trained in a squad managing heavy automatic weapons. He landed in Korean in May of 1951 and fought his way north through the decimated country. During a night battle he was wounded by an enemy hand grenade. After recovery he went back to the frontline and finished his tour of duty. It wasn't until 68 years later that his Purple Heart was awarded.

This is his story.