Aderholt Presents Purple Heart to Leigeber After 58 Years

Richard "Rick" L. Leigeber received a purple heart on May 4 at Cullman VFW Post 2214, where Congressman Robert Aderholt presented the medal after nearly six decades. Leigeber said he had first applied about 25 years ago and could not secure it on his own.

Aderholt said in an April 14 Facebook post that it was his honor to present Leigeber with the Purple Heart he had earned after being injured while serving in Vietnam. Leigeber said he was grateful to receive it while he was still alive and have it on his record.

Cullman VFW Post 2214

Leigeber served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 and was in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 in the Cu Chi Valley during the Tet Offensive. He served with Company A, 4th Battalion, 23rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in the 25th Infantry Division.

The medal came after a long delay between the injury and the formal recognition. Leigeber said, "It’s been a long time coming. I never thought I would be able to get it."

Leigeber's Army Service

Leigeber was inducted into the Cullman Veterans Hall of Fame in 2024, and his record already included the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Vietnam Service Medal, 1st Class Gunner for the M60 machine gun and Sharpshooter for the M16 rifle. He was also recognized at VFW Post 2214’s fourth annual Heroes Dinner in 2017.

His award now joins that record under the Purple Heart, the medal given to service members wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States or by an enemy or opposing force. Leigeber said, "He came through for me and got the Purple Heart presented on honor from the United States."

Leigeber's Record

Leigeber said, "I applied to try to get it 25 years ago and was unable to on my own, so I did go through Congressman Aderholt." He added, "I was just grateful for him to be able to get it while I was still alive and be on my record."