
In an emotional event held in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump received a Purple Heart from a Vietnam veteran named “Dwight,” who asserted that Trump is “more deserving” of the honor. This heartfelt gesture occurred just 12 weeks after an assassination attempt claimed the life of firefighter Corey Comperatore and left Trump injured along with others.
The presentation took place prior to Trump’s town hall meeting in Fayetteville, North Carolina, moderated by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL). During a week focused on hurricane recovery efforts, Trump successfully raised over $5.6 million to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene.
As part of the ceremony, Luna read a letter Dwight had written to Trump after the shooting, expressing his relief and admiration. He stated, “God bless you, your family, and the United States of America,” showcasing the support many Americans feel for Trump.
Trump brought humor to the occasion by joking about Dwight’s notecard, saying, “It looks like a check. It’s a check. It’s cash.” His lighthearted comment helped to ease the tension of the moment, earning laughs from the audience.
Dwight acknowledged Trump’s courage during the attack, saying, “You laid down there, you got back up, and the first words out of your mouth was, ‘Fight, fight, fight.’” He concluded by affirming, “You got guts,” emphasizing Trump’s determination and resilience.
Reflecting on that fateful day, Trump stated, “I got very lucky,” hinting at a belief in divine protection. He recalled a similar moment from his 2016 campaign when a veteran presented him with a Purple Heart, illustrating his strong bond with the military community.
Dwight also voiced concern about the increasing issue of homelessness among veterans, which has grown from 7% to 14% under the Biden-Harris administration. He challenged Trump on plans to prioritize veterans over illegal immigrants receiving assistance. Trump responded, “We’re going to take care of our veterans properly,” pledging to focus on veteran support.
Among the expected attendees at the rally were Comperatore’s family and billionaire Elon Musk, who has voiced his support for Trump’s campaign following the assassination attempt.