The Purple Heart is given to those injured or killed by the enemy while serving in the U.S. Military. Recently, at the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford,William Depersis was honored with the Purple Heart for his firefight against the enemy in the Korean War. (Submitted photo)

OXFORD — Recently, at the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford (NYSVHO), a long awaited Purple Heart was awarded to U.S. Army Veteran Ronald Depersis, honoring his firefight with the enemy during the Korean War in 1953.

Veterans home Deputy Administrator Jennifer Scheuer said residence, staff and generational family members filled the room to support the veteran.

“The Purple Heart ceremony was attended by about 35 to 40 people; it was a surprise,” said Scheuer, adding, “He was very happy to receive the award.”

His son William Depersis said his dad didn’t complain much but said the purple heart was always an issue for him. The family was grateful for the award.

Depersis was wounded in the Korean War firefight on March 27, 1953 and finally at the age of 93, after years of family members advocating his right to receive recognition, he received the Purple Heart.

Scheuer has worked at the Oxford Veterans Home for 22 years and noted they started tracking awards about 15 years ago.

She said the Veterans Home is rich in history and has witnessed many awards and purple heart ceremonies.

The NYSVHO is a 242 bed facility located on sixty acres and provides long term/short term rehab, and specialized memory enhanced skilled nursing care.

NYSVHO is owned and operated by the New York State Department of Health under the direction of a subsidiary department called Health Facilities Management (HFM).

According to the Purple Heart Foundation.org website, their mission is to enhance the quality of life of Purple Heart recipients and other honorably discharged veterans and their families.

The Purple Heart is given to those injured or killed by the enemy while serving in the U.S. Military.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs General George Washington established America's oldest military decoration as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782. It was re-designated to the Purple Heart in 1932.

For more information on the New York State Veterans Home, visit their website at www.NYSVETS.org.