Madison WWII veteran earns Purple Heart, 80 years after being wounded

(MADISON, Ind.) – A 99-year-old World War II veteran in Madison is receiving a Purple Heart, more than 80 years after being wounded in combat. 

Glenn Fisher was just 15-years-old when he tried to enlist in the military the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed. 

The Trimble County native had to wait until he was 16 when his parents signed paperwork that allowed him to enter the service on March 23, 1943. 

Fisher landed at Utah Beach in France in September of 1944 and was sent to the frontlines in the Netherlands. 

He was eventually assigned to General Bernard Montgomery’s 21st Army Group and Fisher served on the north end of the Battle of the Bulge. 

Fisher was among the soldiers who breached the Rhine River on March 25, 1945, which was the last major natural defensive barrier for the Germans. 

While attempting to cross the river, he and his fellow soldiers came under attack from a German 88 millimeter gun.

Two of Glenn’s best friends were killed while he was badly wounded. 

Glenn was initially taken to a field hospital before being transferred to a physical hospital. 

He eventually fully recovered but still has scars on his face and body from the explosion that wounded him.

Proper Recognition

The Purple Heart is the oldest military award that is still given to servicemen and women. 

It is reserved for those who are wounded or killed in combat. 

Because of the lack of medical records from hospitals in World War II, Glenn was never appropriately recognized for his service. 

Fisher inquired about the Purple Heart award in 1981 and then again in 2010. He was told both times that the records had been burned and were no longer available. 

Last year, Glenn brought up the Purple Heart to his longtime friend, Jeff Thoke. 

“Glenn said that before he turns 100-years-old he would love to be awarded the Purple Heart. Because he was wounded and is deserving of it,” Thoke said. 

Thoke, who also serves as chairman of the Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter in Kentucky, made it his mission to find proof that Fisher was wounded. 

“The records were really hard to find, but I did a lot of research and finally after a year I found records that substantiated that he was truly wounded,” Thoke said.

Thoke’s research led to Fisher being awarded the Purple Heart and a celebration was held on Friday.  

He now resides at the Jewel Place nursing home in Madison. Residents and friends gathered for the ceremony and Glenn said he was thrilled to see so many friends in attendance.

Glenn began the service by saying a prayer and then stated, “It’s been a long time coming but it has been well worth the wait.”

Madison Mayor Bob Courtney also stopped by and presented Fisher with a Key to the City as well as an American flag that flew above City Hall. 

Altogether, Fisher served in the military from 1943 to 1980. He spent seven years in active duty and then another 30 years in the reserves. 

One unique memory from his time in the service, he once got to serve in the Honor Guard when President Harry Truman made a trip to Europe shortly after World War II.

Glenn will celebrate his 100th birthday on October 10.