Arthur Alarcon 6035

And she said, "You've got to get a Purple Heart." So I wrote to the Pentagon, and I told them the story, and they said, "Yes, you're entitled to a Purple Heart." So I got a Purple Heart.

Justice Arthur Alarcon was born in Los Angeles and grew up near the Civic Center. He enlisted in the Army in 1943 as part of the Army Specialized Training Program, which would have allowed him to attend college and graduate as a second lieutenant. However, the program was eliminated and he was sent to Camp McCain, Mississippi, as an infantryman. During World War II, he was a scout and sniper in the 94th Infantry Division and was promoted to staff sergeant and then acting first sergeant. He experienced a near-death experience when he was sent out into a valley and was fired upon by machine guns. His captain did not rescue him, and his legs were frozen up to his hips. He was saved by a doctor who gave him an ounce of bourbon every hour and opened a window to keep his body temperature stable. Four years ago, his granddaughter encouraged him to apply for a Purple Heart, which he was granted.