A Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and American Flag traveled many miles and more than a decade but have now been reunited with the family of the Vietnam soldier who earned them thanks to a man who would never give up trying to get them back to the rightful owner.
Keith Scott, now of Dillon County, spent a great deal of time trying to locate Tiffany Ferrell to return a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and an American flag to the deceased veteran’s daughter.
While living in Maryland years ago, Scott purchased several storage units full of unseen items. After returning to his business, he unloaded and went through the merchandise. He discovered the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and an American flag inside of a dresser drawer. He found a name, William H. Ferrell, and began his search. He learned that the man was deceased. He contacted funeral homes to attempt to locate a family member to no avail. As time passed, he set the items aside hoping that one day a family member would be found.
At one time, he was offered money for the items but refused to sell them. In the back of his mind, he believed that somehow he would locate a family member.
After ten years, he located Tiffany Ferrell, William H. Ferrell’s daughter. He contacted her via the telephone one night around 10:00 p.m. She was totally surprised when he told her the story.
Arrangements were made for them to meet. Scott traveled to meet her at the Maryland State Police in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Scott and Ferrell had a time of fellowship after his returning the items.
William H. Ferrell, known as Bill, was born April 7, 1946. He was laid to rest on September 6, 2010 in the Arlington National Cemetery with honors.
Ferrell served 4 years in the Army from 1968 through 1972. During his active-duty service, he served in the Vietnam War. Ferrell was a marksman. He jumped out of helicopters and served as an orthopedic medic while in service.
His obituary tells the story of his Vietnam experience and his courage and bravery in a time of war. “Mr. Ferrell was drafted by the United States Army at the age of 19, shortly after the birth of his eldest daughter, Sharrarne. While serving a tour in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor ‘for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Private First Class Ferrell distinguished himself by heroism in action on 28 January 1967, while serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Calvary during a combat air assault mission near the village of Tan An in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly after leaving the landing zone, PFC Ferrell’s squad was taken under intense automatic weapons fire from enemy bunkers located approximately 50 meters across an open rice paddy. Three members of the squad, including the squad leader, were felled immediately. PFC Ferrell quickly began returning fire with his rifle, giving the remaining squad members a chance to get into firing positions. He then crawled across an open area to the wounded squad leader and pulled him to a place of safety. Again, maneuvering in the face of the intense hostile fire, PFC Ferrell charged the nearest bunker and threw in a grenade. Later, PFC Ferrell [although he was wounded himself] helped carry the wounded back to the landing zone, ignoring enemy sniper fire which was still being received.’ (Direct quote from his commendation.) He also received a Purple Heart medal for being wounded in action. In addition to his immense bravery and other notable honors, he was trained as an Orthopedic Specialist.” He also received many service ribbons during this time.
Ms. Ferrell recalls being told that one day he stepped onto a land mine and lived through it. However, the wounds were so bad that the doctors wanted to amputate his leg. He refused to have his leg amputated. His leg slowly healed to some degree, but he was forced to use a walking cane.
When Ferrell returned home, his health deteriorated. He became a type 2 diabetic due to Agent Orange exposure. He also had high blood pressure, liver issues, and Hepatitis C acquired from a blood transfusion with his leg injury.
He received a 90 percent disability from the service. However, he wanted to work. He performed light duty with the post office for 20 years. He was credited with 25 years due to his service in the Army.
After coming home, he, like so many other soldiers who served in the Vietnam War, felt as though he did not receive the proper respect he deserved.
Ferrell was a good provider for his family. However, due to his service in the Vietnam War, he was not always a “good person,” Ms. Ferrell said.
Ferrell smoked for 30 years, but quit “cold turkey” as he attempted to help his medical condition. He also cut out red meat to help with his high blood pressure.
He fought a “good fight,” but in the end he succumbed to cancer in 2010.
PICTURED AT TOP are Keith Scott and Tiffany Ferrell
