BENNETTSVILLE — The Bennettsville Marine Corps League welcomed retired Army First Sergeant William H. Swift, Jr., and his wife Sheila to its July 27 monthly meeting at The Community Kitchen in Bennettsville.
First Sergeant Swift was twice wounded in combat, and the Bennettsville Marine Corps League had invited them as VIP guests ahead of the upcoming National Purple Heart Day on August 7. This day marks the 1782 anniversary when General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, the original predecessor of today’s Purple Heart.
Some of you readers will remember First Sergeant Swift from his time as the Assistant Military Instructor from 1992-2012 for the Marlboro County HS Army JROTC program. First Sergeant Swift was first wounded in Vietnam during his tour of duty in 1970, and he was wounded again in 1972 during a subsequent tour of duty. Later, he went on the serve in Gulf War 1 – 1990-1991. He is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and his wife is a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary.
We at the Marine Corps League use this opportunity to promote the importance of National Purple Heart Day and we ask that we all take a moment to remember the courage under fire and sacrifices made by these war heroes defending American values and freedom. First Sergeant Swift ‘s military service is representative of others from the towns and rural communities of Marlboro County who were wounded in battle. The South Carolina Military Order of the Purple Heart maintains the SC list of names of those awarded the Purple Heart Medal to include those from Marlboro County. Of recent conflicts, that list includes the 10 who died in the Vietnam War, and the eight who died in the Korean War – all from Marlboro County.
Our nation sets aside August 7 each year to remember and honor these war heroes and we at the Bennettsville Marine Corps League are honored to take this time to give thanks for their service to America. If you know someone like First Sergeant Swift who was wounded in battle while fighting for our country, let him/her, or the family of those who died know that you are thankful for what they did for America.
Photo Attached: L-R First Sergeant William H. Swift, Jr.