Who was the youngest soldier to win the purple heart?

Answer 1

Robert kelso, Texas, was 14 when he was wounded (bayonetted) in World War 11....he was wounded in Germany......

LTC Robert E. Kelso of San Antonio, TX, served in the Army during World War II, and was the youngest known Soldier injured in that conflict. With his recruiter unaware of his real age, Kelso entered service at age 13 and was injured by a German bayonet at 14. He received the Purple Heart for his injury. It was this experience that prompted Kelso to say, "Been there, done that."

Enlisted during World War II, LTC Kelso was assigned to the 342nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion and fought throughout Europe as a private. In April 1945, during the closing weeks of the war, he was wounded in Germany and sent back to the states. After World War II, LTC Kelso served in the US Army Reserve. In 1963, after the onset of the Vietnam War, he returned to active duty as a captain. He completed two tours in Vietnam; first as an advisor with the 22nd ARVN Division, then with the famed 25th Infantry Division - "Tropic Lightning." His awards include the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and French Legion of Honor. LTC Kelso retired from the Army in 1976.