The Department of Delaware Military Order of the Purple Heart honored World War II veterans at its annual convention this year. National MOPH Commander Pat Little, a member of Delaware Chapter 9377, was the guest speaker.
Little’s remarks included recognizing the WWII veterans for their service to their country, and their long and continued service to the Department of Delaware. WWII veteran Bill Carroll serves the department as welfare officer, and WWII veteran Jim Cooper serves the department as sergeant-at-arms. Both men continue to be active in their chapters.
The six WWII veterans in attendance included John Sauer Sr., who landed on D-Day in the first wave to assault Omaha Beach at Normandy June 6, 1944. Also present were Wilmington childhood friends Bayard Horn and Jim Cooper.
MOPH is unique among veteran service organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote patriotism, fraternalism and the preservation of America's military history.
Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those who require employment assistance. MOPH volunteers provide assistance to veterans at VA hospitals and clinics, and state veterans homes.