Habersham County remembers contributions of Col. Ben Purcell

CLARKESVILLE - The Habersham County Commission on Monday approved a proclamation honoring the contributions of the late Col. Benjamin H. Purcell of Clarkesville, who died April 2.

The brief posthumous recognition occurred during Monday night's Habersham County Commission meeting.

The Banks County native served with the U.S. Navy for two years, then with the U.S. Army for more than 30 years. He served during both the Korean War and Vietnam, retiring from active duty in 1980.

On Feb. 8, 1968, Col. Purcell was taken as a prisoner of war by the Viet Cong in South Vietnam after his helicopter was shot down. He remained in captivity for 1,874 days, becoming the
highest-ranking officer held in captivity during the Vietnam War.

During the five years he was held as a POW, he escaped twice from the three camps where he was held.

Purcell was held in solitary confinement for 58 months, enduring torture and starvation.

"Col. Purcell was awarded many decorations, including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, and the Prisoner of War Medal," the proclamation states.

Purcell was married to Anne Grant Purcell, a Habersham County native, for 49 years. Together, they published "Love and Duty," a book detailing their experiences through their years of war separation, in 1992.

"[T]he Habersham County Board of Commissioners hereby acknowledges and appreciates Col. Benjamin H. Purcell's service to his Country and to his community," the proclamation states. "Throughout his life, which unfortunately ended on April 2, 2013, he provided inspiration and courage to all Americans. His memory will live on in the hearts of many, providing us all with a superior model of honor, service, and dedication to God, country, family, and community. May we all learn from his example."

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/5/261704