Murphy man gets Purple Heart medal

Murphy About 200 people attended a ceremony Friday afternoon in honor of Roger Swanson as U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards presented him with a Purple Heart. Fittingly, the event took place at Band of Brothers Veteran Park, which Swanson built.

Among the attendees were Lake Silver, western North Carolina field representative for Edwards (R-N.C.); state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin); Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith; Cherokee County Commissioners Jan Griggs, Randy Phillips and Cal Stiles; Veteran Services Director Danna Pash; as well as law enforcement officers, veterans, family and friends of Swanson.

Swanson was a sergeant in 1969 with the Army. On April 9 that year, Swanson and his patrol were engaged in combat with insurgents when a rocket-propelled grenade was fired in their direction, exploding nearby.

It wasn’t until years later, when Swanson was back in the United States, that the shrapnel was removed from his leg. At the time of the incident, he didn’t want the attention that would have arose from the acknowledgement and treatment of his injury. Swanson said he just continued to serve his country in battle without reporting the hit to his body.

A Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.

His wife of 54 years, Patricia, said of his service and Purple Heart, “ I’m very proud of him.” She only wishes it hadn’t taken so long for him to receive the recognition.

Swanson wanted no attention drawn to himself, giving credit to those around him.

“I feel it’s nothing to do with me, others gave all. I don’t want, I don’t need nothing other than a cold beer. Now if ya got a cold beer, I’ll jump in the truck with ya,” he said with a chuckle.

Corbin said he has been to Band of Brothers Park “multiple times, and it’s always enjoyable.”

“Roger Swanson is a great guy,” Corbin said. “I appreciate his service to our country, and his service to this community.”

After his military service, Swanson went on to a successful career in construction. He also holds a pilot’s license in both fixed wing and rotary blade aircraft.

Swanson is the founder of the Band of Brothers Veteran Park, which honors veterans and provides a place where they can gather. The park is open to anyone who’d like to learn more about those who have served our country while being among old military vehicles, armament, other items and statues.

“I’m extremely proud of Roger; he’s so humble all of the time. This is nice for everybody to be able to take advantage of his service and sacrifice,” Sheriff Dustin Smith said, Swanson’s first cousin.

“It’s neat. Roger’s my family, so I love him and am proud of him.”

Swanson was not only awarded the Purple Heart medal, but also a U.S. flag that was flown over the Capital on Veterans Day in 2023 in his honor, along with a certificate of its authenticity. 

In addition, a framed statement from Murphy Mayor Tim Radford was given to Swanson proclaiming April 26, 2024, as “Roger Swanson Purple Heart Day” in town.

Edwards called Swanson, “A remarkable hero.”