The Purple Heart is the oldest military award in the United States. The commendation is unique in that it is awarded automatically to individuals when certain criteria are met, which includes being injured or killed in battle or during terrorist attacks. According to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, roughly 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since the decoration’s official establishment in 1932.

There is no limit to the number of Purple Heart Awards a person can receive. Many brave men and women have been issued this special commendation. All of these people are remarkable in some way, particularly for their bravery and sacrifices in service of the United States. However, some people are more famous than others. Here is a look at some of the more well-known recipients of the Purple Heart.

· Army General Douglas MacArthur (the first service member to receive the modern-day Purple Heart), World War II

· Actor James Arness, World War II

· NFL great Robert “Rocky” Bleier, Vietnam War

· Actor Charles Bronson, World War II

· Actor James Garner, Korean War

· Marine Corp Sergeant Ron Kovic, Vietnam War

· Journalist Ernest “Ernie” Pyle, World War II

· Screenwriter Rod Serling, Philippines combat

· Filmmaker Oliver Stone, Vietnam War

· NFL player Pat Tillman, friendly fire incident in Afghanistan

· Novelist Kurt Vonnegut, World War II

· K-9 war hero Sergeant Stubby, World War II

· Combat nurse Cordelia “Betty” Cook, World War II

· President John F. Kennedy, World War II

· Secretary of State John Kerry, Vietnam War

· Senator John McCain, Vietnam War

· Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vietnam War

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The Nocona City Council will meet at 5 p.m. on Aug. 11 at city hall.
In the workshop agenda, Blake McNew will speak on the new registration requirements for golf carts and utility vehicles.
The council will call the Nov. 3 general election and discuss a negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee for the 2026 rate review. A bid for hot mix asphalt also will be reviewed.
Police Chief Kent Holcomb will make a month report on the public nuisance code, violations and tickets.
The council will discuss advertising for bids to replace the asphalt with concrete at the intersection of Cooke and Willow Streets, along with bids to build a new golf cart shed at Indian Oaks Golf Course. Plans to paint the cemetery entrances also will be discussed.
The proposed 2026-27 budget will be examined, followed by setting of budget hearing and adoption for 5 p.m. on Sept. 8.
Possible tax rates will be presented based on the certified net property values of $221,949,622. They include: No new revenue rate of .3182 cents per $100 in property value; voter approval rate of .3487 cents and a proposed rate of .3487 cents.
A lease agreement with the Montague County Youth Fair Board for use of the barn will be presented.

Families filled the Bowie High School cafeteria and gym for the Bowie Bash back to school event on Aug. 1. They were able to select free supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, crayons and everything else to start the year. They also were able to get students registered. Organizers estimate more than 150 people attended.