A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees. U.S. Air Force Colonel (Col.) Carl Pio Parlatore will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Tennessee’s representative at the multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.
Read MoreA Spring City Air Force pilot who survived being shot down over Vietnam after flying hundreds of combat missions is now being honored on a national stage for a lifetime of service and sacrifice.
Read MoreParlatore entered the Air Force in August 1966 and served for the next twenty-six years. As a member of the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base in Vietnam, he flew over 300 combat missions in the F‑4. He earned his Purple Heart after being shot down by anti‑aircraft fire while supporting a Special Forces camp under siege. He ejected at low altitude and high speed, sustaining multiple injuries before being rescued.
Read MoreU.S. Marine Corps Corporal (Cpl) Richard “Andrew” Farrer represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Tennessee’s representative at the multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded.
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