Jan 14, 2005 By Patty Yauger 4 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Veterans of past wars attired in uniform, legislators and local officials along with numerous residents paid tribute Thursday to one of the area’s hometown heroes. U.S. Army Pfc. (retired) Salvatore “Sam” Ross was publicly awarded the Purple Heart – the oldest military decoration and the first American medal made available to the common soldier.

The event was held in conjunction with the one-year anniversary of the Highlands Hospital John P. Murtha Wellness Center.

The congressman, for whom the center was named, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony and recalled his first meeting with Ross at Walter Reed Medical Hospital where the young soldier was recovering from the wounds he received when a pit filled with bombs exploded as he stood nearby.

“The doctors told me that initially he was not expected to survive, but he did,” said Murtha. “My great grandmother used to say that we are put on this earth for a purpose, to make it a better place for other people.

“Salvatore (Ross) was put on this earth for a special purpose. He’s here today because of his strong will and I am proud to pin this Purple Heart on him for a second time.”

Murtha was present when the first presentation took place at the Washington, D.C., medical facility.

John E. Spisso, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army for Western Pennsylvania, said that Ross’ service has brought honor and pride to the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division.

“You now have become a part of the glorious history of that famed Airborne Division,” he said. “You sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms. You truly are one of our nation’s heroes. “

Joe T. Joseph, Americanism Committee chairman for the Department of Pennsylvania American Legion, recalled the days following the May 2003 incident when military doctors tried feverishly to return Ross to the U.S. because they feared he would die without his family by his side.

Joseph said he was proud to assist the military and Ross’ family during that time to assure he would be with loved ones.

“The good Lord was good to Sammy,” he said. “He has come a long way.”

Ronald Conley, past national commander of the American Legion, said that Ross along with those who have given their lives, or have been injured while serving, and the service men and women currently serving in the military, are an inspiration to all and the nation must continue to care for them after their service has ended.

“We have a commitment to them after the war is over,” he said, noting the need for increased funding for veteran programs.

Ross lost his eyesight and the lower portion of his left leg in the explosion. The military has fitted him with an artificial leg and has performed several surgeries to repair his vision, in addition to providing other needed medical treatment and services.

“No one has served more sacrificially than this (U.S. Army) 82nd Airborne trooper,” said Col. Mark Fentress, Command Chaplain for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, of the wounded combat veteran.

Michelle P. Cunningham, hospital chief executive officer, said that like Ross and the many veterans that attended the ceremony, the health care facility is also dedicated to serving the community.

“Service to others has been a hallmark of our proud history,” she said, in awarding Ross a membership to the Wellness Center to honor his military service. “To all the veterans and service men and women, we thank you for your courage and your dedication to this country.

“It is because of you that we enjoy so many freedoms.”

Ross encouraged those in attendance to keep the 180,000 soldiers serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other regions around the world and in the U.S. in their thoughts and prayers.

“They are keeping us safe,” he said.

Ross said that the accolades bestowed upon him after returning home, the thousands of cards and letters he has received and the Thursday ceremony have helped him through the bad days.

“Those that reach out and shake my hand when I walk down the street, those that come up to me at a restaurant and thank me for my service, it is those things that makes everyday worthwhile,” he said. “It makes me proud to be an American.”

Ross was also presented with an autographed football from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ organization and a U.S. Army jacket.

Also taking part in the ceremony was the Connellsville Area High School band and choir under the direction of James Henigen and Merle Stutzman.