On the recordMay 31, 2011
On Thanksgiving Day 1944, current Mountain Home, Arkansas, resident Sergeant Augie Held took a bullet in his left shoulder. Held was 22 years old at the time and a member of 84th Infantry Division, Bravo Company. That was how Sergeant Held received his first Purple Heart. He was back to battle a mere 3 weeks later. On December 19, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, Sergeant Held earned his second Purple Heart. Members of his company tried to take shelter from the cold in a barn, where they were attacked. Bullets and schrapnel went flying, and Sergeant Held took a piece of schrapnel to his left wrist. Just 2 months later Sergeant Held was caught in mortar fire. Mortar hit so close to him it knocked him unconscious and a piece of shrapnel was embedded in his cheek, and that shrapnel stayed with him until he went stateside, and that was how Sergeant Held earned his third Purple Heart. Sergeant Held is one of many First District residents in my home district in Arkansas who selflessly fought for America. Our district has an amazing group of veterans from World War I to the current War on Terror who put America first and their own lives second. These are the people that make this country great. Yesterday was Memorial Day, a day to honor those who fought for our country and also remember the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. My family and I spent this weekend honoring all who served, not only in the First District of Arkansas but all across America.…
Source
govinfo.gov




