Re: Purple Hearts for POWs Who Die in Captivity

Date: March 19, 2004

"Purple Hearts For POWs Who Die In Captivity

San Diego Man Starts Grassroots Campaign

SAN DIEGO -- There is a grassroots movement in San Diego to award the Purple Heart medal to all prisoners of war who died while imprisoned.

Former POW and San Diego resident Shorty Esterbrook is the man behind the effort. He survived the Tiger Camp death march during the Korean War and wants his comrades from any war who didn't make it to be awarded the ultimate recognition.

Currently, the medal is now awarded only if the next of kin can prove the person died of wounds. If they died of starvation, were beaten to death or froze to death, no medal is authorized.

"There's nobody here to talk for them. This guy George W. Adams died as a prisoner of war. He should get a Purple Heart, automatically, no argument," Esterbrook said.

Esterbrook also operates an informational Web site connecting Korean War veterans called www.tigersurvivors.org. He helps put next of kin in touch with information on those they've lost.

Brenda Tavares wants her uncle to receive the Purple Heart medal. Cpl. Melvin Morgan died in 1950 in Korea.

"My uncle he died of starvation as well as beatings," Tavares said.

His death still causes great pain for Tavares' relatives.

She said giving Morgan the Purple Heart medal would be a great honor for him and a great comfort for the family.

Esterbrook said the Purple Heart is a symbol any American can understand, whether they survived war or life.

"The Purple Heart is sort of an ending. It's a closure," he said.

Esterbrook has contacted several local senators, congressmen and leading presidential contenders who all said that they were receptive to his idea.

For more information, visit www.tigersurvivors.org

©2004 by TheSanDiegoChannel"