HARRISBURG – The Senate of Pennsylvania recognized the achievements of two-time Purple Heart recipient and Upper Bern Township resident Dennis Essig during session this afternoon.
Essig was joined by his wife, Lucy, for a special introduction in the Senate by Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).
Argall noted the uniqueness of the visit to his colleagues in the Senate.
“We have all met many different veterans in our Senate districts,” Argall said. “I’ve never met an individual before who has two Purple Hearts due to 13 different wounds.”
During Essig’s visit to the state Capitol, Argall presented him with a specialty license plate for Purple Heart recipients, as well as an official Senate Citation congratulating Dennis for his service.
During his service, in addition to two Purple Hearts, Dennis was awarded the National Defense Medal, Sharp Shooters Badge M14 with Rifle Bar, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device and Army Commendation Medal.
Essig was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 20, 1968 and was honorably retired because of disability on November 24, 1970.
